The extent of Sebastian Buemi’s mental
confidence when approaching the Hungarian GP
is not known but it could not contribute to a
comfortable state of mind. In fact, it was going
to be the greatest test of ability and endurance
up to now for the Swiss driver. Three races
without points, two accidents and a grid penalty
for the start at the Budapest tourniquet could not
impress his bosses. During this time his co-driver,
Jaime Alguersuari, who was having difficulty to
understand the new tyre components in the first
part of the season, was producing brilliant drives
and the best Formula 1 races of his young career.

From the beginning of the year Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost has cautioned his drivers to deliver, or risk replacement by test driver Daniel Ricciardo. On the background of the battle for supremacy, an intense struggle is taking place in a runner up team with two talented sportsmen craving for results. The passage to the Spanish team HRT of Ricciardo has momentarily reduced the pressure but the battle for survival at the pinnacle of the sport causes constant nervousness.
 
One could question a situation where drivers are engaged in close observation of each other within an enterprise valuing high partnership and solidarity. But that’s what a driver must learn.  How to overcome the mental game challenge that is particularly acute in this sport. On the track and within the team. Toro Rosso is operating around the scholarship/promotion model and Sébastien knows that non-production of the goods would result in dismissal and possible departure from Formula One .
 
In an environment charged with adversity Sébastien started his 47th GP and with so much at stake it was a matter for the Vaudois to bring the bull to its knees in Hungary. And this is exactly what the Toro Rosso driver and Pain Paillasse ambassador has done. Starting on the back of the grid and on a wet track, Sebastien made a spectacular first lap, passing ten cars in 2 minutes of racing and then, during perilous and changeable conditions he drove like a man possessed.  Rain was back, soliciting the driver’s finest skill, and thanks to a good team strategy his lap time was among the best of the entire field. He secured 8th position and four points with a firm and clean pass on the Sauber of Kobayashi to end a day in Formula 1 that Sébastian will not forget.

And no one will be oblivious to the convincing performance. It is only mid-season and there are many races for Sébastien to prove his worth among the elite but now, the Toro Rosso driver can go to Spa-Francorchamps at the end of the month (August 28) with an increased belief in his ability. He has collected four points on the Hungarian track and more within the team for this spectacular resurgence of form.