Ruth Buscombe names 67-podium F1 driver as ‘phenomenal’ at looking after tyres

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Charles Leclerc’s win at the Italian Grand Prix showed just how crucial tyres are in Formula 1 to achieving victory.

The Ferrari driver made a one-stop strategy work while everyone else around him had to pit twice, losing critical seconds in the pit lane. Oscar Piastri admitted that he was ‘surprised’ by Ferrari’s strategy after he appeared to struggle to make his tyres last in the hot conditions.

Having been an F1 strategist for the best part of a decade, Ruth Buscombe has worked for various teams up and down the pit line including Ferrari, Haas, and Sauber.

During her period at these teams, she worked with some of the greats of F1 including Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, and Felipe Massa. When speaking on the Drive To Wynn podcast, Buscombe names the driver who is ‘phenomenal’ at looking after their tyres.

Ruth Buscombe names Valtteri Bottas as ‘phenomenal’ with tyre management

It has not been the easiest season for Valtteri Bottas at Sauber having yet to score a point for the team or add to his tally of 67 podiums since joining them in 2022.

But the Finn has shown his worth by being an experienced hand amid challenging times and remains their best chance of scoring points to move up the order in the final eight races.

During her time at Sauber under the Alfa Romeo guise, Buscombe worked with Bottas and Zhou Guanyu and named the former as one of the most prolific at tyre management.

“Valtteri, phenomenal at looking after a tyre, the least flappable man ever. Like people can overtake him. He doesn’t bother. If you say I need to get to lap 40, most drivers would get stressed around lap 32 and hey stop spinning the tiles and putting in more energy,” said Buscombe.

“Not Valtteri, he just, he’ll just, he’s chilling. He’s chilling there. In terms of overtaking, really strong. He’s got a tyre delta and really good at using the traction phrase for overtaking.”

Valtteri Bottas future in doubt amid Sauber talks

Sauber currently has Nico Hulkenberg contracted for the 2025 season and beyond, but there are questions over who will take up the next seat.

Mattia Binotto has indicated that he would like to have an experienced hand alongside Hulkenberg, but the former Ferrari boss was spotted recently at the Italian GP speaking to a rival team’s junior driver.

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Of course, any driver that is contracted to Sauber from next year will also have the transition to Audi in mind for the 2026 season when they become a full works outfit.

The German team will likely be in the midfield, which could make a younger driver more lucrative as it gives them a chance to make errors without the pressure of being part of a team that is regularly challenging for wins.