Ruth Buscombe explains unique strategy needed when racing against Alex Albon

Follow us on Google Discover

Since he joined the team in 2022, Alex Albon has been an integral part of the Williams rebuild project as it looks to recapture the glory years of the 1990s.

The former Red Bull driver instantly made a mark at Williams by scoring points for the team in a car that was arguably one of the slowest on the grid, while also scoring the bulk of the 28 points that put them ahead of Sauber and Visa CashApp RB last season.

Williams was in a tight battle with Sauber for most of the 2023 season, which meant Albon had to regularly finish ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.

Former F1 strategist Ruth Buscombe has revealed that Sauber had to implement a unique strategy option for Albon when speaking on the Drive to Wynn podcast.

Alex Albon’s impressive tyre management led to a specific strategy from Sauber

The strategy department aims to optimise each car against the competition and try to finish in the highest possible position on the track.

To do this, they often model what the race outcome could be through simulation by inputting various strategy options. This includes taking into consideration various drivers’ strengths, whether it is their aggressive overtakes or ability to save tyres incredibly well.

According to Buscombe, at Sauber they had to implement a specific model for Albon due to his ability to extend pit stop stints.

“Albon is really good at tyre wear. As a strategist working opposite him, I’ve got to make sure I give him a different tyre model to everyone else,” said Buscombe.

“If I assume he can do the same stint length as my drivers, he’s going to undercut or overcut me.”

Alex Albon accuses Williams of being ‘indecisive’ at Williams

The last few races have been difficult for Williams, especially after they elected to sack Logan Sargeant after his crash at Zandvoort in favour of rookie Franco Colapinto.

Albon had a strong weekend at Monza and took home two points for the team, which cuts the gap to Alpine in the Constructors’ Championship.

READ MORE: Williams driver Alex Albon’s life outside F1 from net worth, girlfriend to parents

But over team radio Albon could be heard making a quip about the team being indecisive over whether he should race cars that are around him.

Colapinto is hopeful for a change to his car at the next race in Baku that should enable him to close the gap to Albon and hopefully enable the team to score more points.