Ruth Buscombe is a highly respected figure in the world of Formula 1, renowned for her expertise as a race strategist. Currently working for the Formula 1 Group, Ruth has had an illustrious career supporting some of the sport’s most prominent drivers and teams. Her strengths lie in data analysis and race strategy management, vital skills in the data-driven realm of Formula 1.
Ruth graduated with first-class honors from the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering. Her journey in Formula 1 began in 2012 with Scuderia Ferrari at their Maranello headquarters. Prior to this, she completed her Master’s Thesis with the FIA, focusing on the Drag Reduction System (DRS), which was later implemented to enhance overtaking opportunities in the sport.
At Ferrari, Ruth started as a Simulations Engineer and later transitioned to a Race Strategist role. From the remote strategy room in Italy, she managed race strategies for world champions like Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel. Notably, she was instrumental in Vettel’s first win with Ferrari at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix.
In November 2015, Ruth joined the Haas F1 Team as the trackside strategy engineer, helping them achieve double points finishes in their debut season. She then moved to Sauber, where she played a pivotal role in the team’s 2016 Constructors’ Championship success. Ruth spent eight seasons at Sauber, culminating in a best sixth-place finish in 2022. She worked with Charles Leclerc during his debut season in 2018.
Currently, Ruth serves as an Analyst, Strategist, Presenter, and Commentator for Formula 1 and F1 TV, providing insights into race strategies and decision-making processes. She also speaks at corporate events, elucidating the complexities of race strategy and data analysis.
As a leading female figure in engineering within Formula 1, Ruth advocates for women in STEM. She has been an ambassador for Susie Wolff’s Dare to be Different, now the FIA Girls on Track initiative, since 2016.
