Esteban Ocon wants to go on holiday 'on a high'

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Force India's Esteban Ocon is looking to put a strong result under his belt in Hungary before Formula 1 takes off for its well-deserved summer break.

The French driver - who is currently the subject of much speculation on the driver market, with pundits anticipating a move to Renault for 2019 - scored points in the last three races, and is determined to keep himself in the top-10 at a venue he particularly appreciates.

"I want to go on holiday on a high and I am happy the final race before the break is on one of my favourite tracks," said the 21-year-old.

"Budapest is one of the races that I enjoy the most and it’s always a good weekend for me.

"The city is beautiful and there are a lot of fans there, but my highlight is the circuit itself. I fell in love with it the first time I drove on it."

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The Hungaroring tight and twisty lay-out offers drivers a few challenges, with flowing consistency required. Fittingly, that's right Mr. Oconsistency's alley.

"The track is quite narrow, but it’s still very fast. There are a lot of quick changes of direction and the corners come one after the other with no chance to catch a breath," he explains.

"That’s what I really like about it – you need to keep pushing all the time and make the most of the sequences of corners. You need to have a good rhythm there and if you make a mistake, you pay for it in the corners that follow."

After Hungary, Ocon insists his summer break won't just be about leading a leisurely life for a couple of weeks.

"It will be nice to have a bit of time off after Budapest. I am looking forward to a nice holiday with my friends, but I am going to train hard as well.

"I am going back to my training camp in the Pyrenees so there will be a little bit of holiday and a lot of work!"

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.