In a thrilling showdown in Australia, Kruimel and The Captain faced off, bringing excitement to the F1 Co-Op Season 3.
F1 Co-Op Season Debut in Australia
Marking its debut in Australia, F1 Co-Op Season added an extra layer of unpredictability. The spotlight was on Kruimel and The Captain, each with their own challenges this season.
Entering the weekend, Kruimel struggled to replicate his championship form, sitting 10th in the standings. The pressure was on for the reigning world champion to make a significant impact.
Conversely, The Captain adapted well to his new Ferrari team, beginning the season strongly. Despite his non-finish in Jeddah, he held the second position in the championship.
Qualifying Drama
Qualifying unfolded with suspense as The Captain initially set the fastest lap, only for Kruimel to snatch pole position in the final moments. Teammates Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc secured 3rd and 6th on the grid, respectively.
Dominant Start in the Race
The race kicked off smoothly, with Kruimel maintaining the lead and The Captain in close pursuit. The duo quickly created a gap to the rest of the field, showcasing the Red Bull-Ferrari rivalry.
A collision between George Russell and Esteban Ocon in lap 6 led to a red flag, allowing teams to make pit stops. The race resumed with a standing start, maintaining the Red Bull-Ferrari dominance.
Drama at the End
As the top two seemed to maintain formation, The Captain intensified the pressure towards the end. A daring attempt in the penultimate lap saw Kruimel defending fiercely, resulting in contact.
In a dramatic turn on the final lap, Kruimel’s fuel-saving mode allowed The Captain to overtake. Leclerc also capitalized, pushing Kruimel to third. The Captain secured victory with valuable championship points.
Championship Standings
With this win, The Captain claimed the championship lead, while Leclerc climbed to 2nd. Kruimel now stands 8th, emphasizing the need to regain championship form.
In the constructors’ standings, Ferrari maintained a strong lead.
As the F1 Co-Op Season heads to China, The Captain carries momentum, leading the championship. Kruimel faces the challenge of reclaiming his championship form for a competitive season ahead.
