The curtain fell on the 2024 Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi with a race that offered excitement, drama, and heartbreak, particularly for the two Dutch rookies, Kruimel and “The Captain.” After a year where they captivated fans with their talent, both drivers were left disappointed in the final race of the season, marking an unworthy end to otherwise brilliant campaigns.
Qualifying Chaos
The weekend began with hints of trouble for The Captain, as his Williams struggled for pace during the practice sessions. This continued into qualifying, where both Dutchmen initially found themselves on the back foot. Kruimel, driving for Aston Martin, suffered damage to his front wing and could only manage P18 in the early stages. Meanwhile, The Captain was languishing in last place, with a considerable gap to the cars ahead.
However, both drivers staged late improvements. Kruimel stunned the paddock by pulling off a remarkable final lap, snatching pole position in the dying seconds. But his success was short-lived as a grid penalty demoted him to P6. The Captain, benefitting from the penalties of Kruimel and Verstappen, moved up to a respectable P3 after qualifying in P6.
Early Race Fireworks
The race began with Norris on pole, Sainz in second, and The Captain in P3. Kruimel lined up just behind his compatriot in P4, setting up a tantalizing battle between the two friends and rivals. At lights out, The Captain was quick off the mark, immediately overtaking Sainz into Turn 1 to claim P2. Kruimel held his position but found himself embroiled in a tight fight with Sainz.
In the opening laps, The Captain closed the gap to Norris, setting the fastest lap and bringing himself within DRS range. Sainz, however, kept the pressure on, staying within a second of The Captain, while Kruimel joined the fray with a bold move past Sainz to take P3.
The battle at the front quickly turned into a DRS chess game. The Captain briefly took the lead from Norris, only for the McLaren driver to regain it a lap later. Kruimel tried to follow The Captain through in a daring move, but the two Dutchmen ran side-by-side through Turns 5 and 6, losing valuable time. This allowed Norris to pull away, while Alonso pounced on the opportunity, overtaking Kruimel.
The Captain’s Nightmare
The turning point came on Lap 6. The Captain, still in the hunt for victory, lost control of his Williams through Turn 3, spinning off the track and dropping to P14. Fighting to recover, he was engaged in a battle with Hulkenberg and Tsunoda when disaster struck again. The rear of his car broke loose in the penultimate corner, sending him into the wall and ending his race with his sixth DNF of the season.
The resulting safety car bunched the field together, and most drivers, including Kruimel, dived into the pits for fresh hard tires. However, Kruimel’s stop was slower than anticipated, allowing Verstappen to jump him in the pit lane. Norris still led, but Verstappen was now in P2 and quickly closed in, passing Norris with ease thanks to DRS.
Kruimel’s Costly Mistake
Kruimel, now in P4, found himself defending from Sainz, who was putting relentless pressure on the Dutchman. On Lap 12, Sainz managed to pass Kruimel, but the Aston Martin driver fought back immediately. In the heat of battle, Kruimel locked up and made contact with Sainz, damaging his own car in the process. The incident proved fatal for Kruimel’s race, as his Aston Martin couldn’t survive the impact, forcing him to retire. A crushing blow for the newly crowned champion, who ended his season with a DNF.
A Season of Contrasts
For both Kruimel and The Captain, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a disappointing end to seasons filled with high expectations and immense talent. Kruimel, who secured the drivers’ championship in Mexico and led Aston Martin to the constructors’ title, had been nothing short of sensational. With 17 victories in 24 races, his debut season in Formula 1 has cemented his place among the sport’s elite, even if his final race ended in frustration.
The Captain, meanwhile, had a season of extremes. Driving for Williams, a team that started the season with one of the slowest cars on the grid, he frequently outperformed his machinery. But his aggressive style and emotional racing led to a mixed bag of results, including six DNFs. His talent is undeniable, and as he eyes a more competitive seat for next year, his future remains bright.
What’s Next for the Dutch Stars?
As the 2024 season ends, both Kruimel and The Captain will reflect on what was an extraordinary year. Kruimel’s dominance throughout the season was unparalleled, but the gulf in car performance between him and his best friend has been a defining factor. With both drivers likely to be sought after by top teams, the dynamics could shift dramatically next season.
For now, though, they both leave Abu Dhabi with unfinished business. The off-season will be a time to recharge and recalibrate, as they look toward 2025 to build on what they have accomplished—and perhaps, finally settle the score on track.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi may not have given the Dutch duo the ending they hoped for, but their 2024 season will be remembered as one of the most exciting rookie campaigns in Formula 1 history. Both drivers are set for bright futures, and fans can only hope that the rivalry between these two friends continues to light up the sport for years to come.
