5 drivers who need to deliver a strong Hungarian Grand Prix 2018

Legend has it that Bernie wanted a Grand Prix in the USSR but was instead guided to Hungary.

Therefore, it's not hard to understand why few tracks have resonated as much power and gravitas as the Hungaroring, the racing pulse of Hungary nestled in the heart of the legendary Mogyorod.

It's a track that unites more than just Buda and Pest but brings a geographically separated contingent of F1 fans together like few other circuits can.

It's seen Schumacher exhibit blistering pace in the past. It upheld the rule of the Prancing Horse last year as Vettel commanded a dominant run in 2017.

It's unfurled Fernando Alonso's maiden Grand Prix victory, that memorable contest of 2003.

And, it's also a track that could possibly provide Lewis Hamilton with a win that will dent a severe blow to arch-rival Sebastian Vettel's hopes of the 2018 title.

But that told, who are the 5 drivers who'd love to produce a stellar result at the 2018 Hungarian Grand Prix?

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#1 Sebastian Vettel

What can Vettel do in Hungary?

The Ferrari driver beings fourth on the grid, behind teammate Kimi Raikkonen. While this isn't the best start to his 2018 Hungaroring challenge, one knows the quick recovery that a driver of Vettel's talent is capable of.

At this point in time, Vettel would be wise to remember his phenomenal triumph at the Hungaroring in 2017, a race where he was just too quick for the Mercedes to catch.

While having lost the German Grand Prix didn't help his cause, losing the Hungarian Grand Prix to Hamilton would add further ignominy to the German driver's hopes of mounting a comeback.

It's, therefore, absolutely vital for Vettel to storm into the top three at least if he cannot win the 2018 Hungarian Grand Prix.

#2 Daniel Ricciardo

It's not been going all that great for Red Bull's Ricciardo

Few drivers have experienced such a sudden downward spiral in form than Daniel Ricciardo. Ever since winning the Monaco Grand Prix, arguably his finest win of 2018 so far, the 'honey badger' hasn't finished inside the top three even once.

On current form, Ricciardo enters the Hungaroring at the back of a lacklustre and vapid form, his previous three results fetching him a Mechanical DNF at Austria, followed by a fifth at Great Britain, which was followed by another Mechanical DNF at Germany.

At Hockenheim, the Australian driver suddenly lost drive in his Red Bull in the fighting stages that saw only one Red Bull finish inside the points.

Moreover, Ricciardo endured a torrid run at the Hungaroring in 2017, wherein a collision caused by Max in turn 2 inside the opening lap hurt his race. Can Ricciardo bounce back this weekend? The chances seem rather pale as the Australian starts from outside the top ten.

#3 Carlos Sainz Jr.

Renault's Sainz begins fifth at Hungary

In the last 3 races at the Hungaroring, starting 2015, Renault's Carlos Sainz Jr. has only managed a best-place finish of eighth.

In securing a fighting P8 during at the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz, then in a Toro Rosso put his car just behind his role-model, Fernando Alonso.

However, as he begins his 2018 Hungaroring challenge, there's a great possibility for Sainz to grab a fantastic finish at the 70-lap contest.

In registering a solid drive in Q3, the Renault driver clinched a vital fifth position on the grid. This should boost his chances of gaining quite a few points on the all-important Sunday.

So far, being heavily out-qualified by his German teammate, this is Carlos' best chance to answer back strongly and add to his 28 points. Should he even clinch a fifth at Hungary, he'd possibly break into the top ten drivers in the season so far, currently languishing at 12.

#4 Fernando Alonso

Alonso set the fastest lap at Hungary in 2017 and earned a P6

One often thinks of the Hungaroring in the context of one of Alonso's dominant wins ever. In 2003, as a 21-year-old, it was here in the heart of Hungary that the double-world champion clinched his maiden Grand Prix win.

Interestingly, in 2017, it was none other than the 'Spanish Samurai' who set the fastest lap of the race at the Hungaroring in a recalcitrant and utterly undrivable McLaren.

Well, there are certain things that only a Fernando Alonso can do. Even as he begins the 2018 Hungarian Grand Prix in an unimpressive eleventh, the McLaren driver can be expected to up his game and jump up a few places to contest an impressive race.

#5 Valtteri Bottas

Bottas, currently 4th in the standings has secured second in 5 races

While a lot of focus this year has been with Lewis Hamilton, the numero uno driver of the Silver Arrows and also the championship leader, one cannot undermine Bottas' contribution.

Amongst the quickest and most talented men on the grid, Bottas has had to endure some tough luck especially in the races at Baku and Austria.

Thus far winless, the Finn would want to begin his Hungarian challenge well and would try to maximise his chances of a win, having held on to a respectable second-place on the grid, just behind Lewis.

But in order to win, Bottas would have to give nothing short of his best, something one saw at his imperious performances at Bahrain, China, Spain, Canada and, Germany. Can the Finn outperform the Briton?

Lights out and away we go to the Hungaroring?