In the world of Formula 1, perfection is an elusive concept. Yet, Kruimel’s road to his second drivers’ championship came remarkably close to achieving it. With an extraordinary 11 wins out of 13 races so far, the Aston Martin driver delivered a season that will be etched into the annals of motorsport history. His campaign is a testament to skill, composure, and relentless determination—marred only by a single retirement and one miscalculated race.
Here’s how Kruimel’s incredible 2024 season unfolded.
Season Start: Building Momentum
Kruimel began the season with an iron grip on the competition, taking commanding victories in the first four races. From the high-speed chaos of Bahrain to the strategic intricacies of Jeddah, his ability to adapt to any circuit and any challenge set the tone for the year.
Even with Fernando Alonso, his teammate and a two-time champion himself, pushing hard to reclaim his former glory, and rival teams like Mercedes and Ferrari intensifying their efforts, Kruimel stayed unshaken. With each race, he showcased a refined balance of speed and maturity, proving that his maiden championship in Season 1 was no fluke. Yet, the true test lay in navigating the relentless pressure of a season-long title fight.
Mid-Season Drama: Rivals Rising
The streets of Monaco are notoriously unforgiving, and even the best can falter. For Kruimel, Round 5 was the season’s only true blemish. Thanks to a false start, Kruimel fell back through the pack, where he misjudged his braking zone and crashed out. Thi uncharacteristic mistake brought an early end to his weekend, handing a temporary lifeline to his rivals.
The Canadian Grand Prix marked a turning point. A risky strategy saw Kruimel stretch his medium tires longer than expected, delivering a crucial victory. This race epitomized his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.
In Silverstone Kruimel, under heavy pressure, overcommitted into Copse Corner. His Aston Martin hit the kerbs, destabilizing the car and sending him into a dramatic spin. While Kruimel avoided the barriers and rejoined the race, he dropped through the field. Kruimel fought back fiercely. However, another slight misjudgment caused additional further damaging his already fragile front wing. Another mistake dropped him to fifth.
The Winning Streak: Unstoppable Form
From Hungary onwards, Kruimel was flawless. Race after race, he delivered performances that combined outright speed, strategic brilliance, and a calmness under pressure that belied his age. Each win reinforced Kruimel’s reputation as not only the fastest driver on the grid but also the most composed and versatile.
United States Grand Prix: Sealing the Deal
Round 13 at the Circuit of the Americas was a showcase of Kruimel’s championship pedigree. Entering the weekend, he needed to maintain his lead over Alonso and The Captain to clinch the title with three races to spare.
The sprint race was dramatic. Kruimel engaged in a fierce battle with The Captain, with contact on Lap 4 ending the Mercedes driver’s race. Despite losing grip late in the session, Kruimel held off Max Verstappen to claim victory by just 0.3 seconds, earning critical points.
In Sunday’s Grand Prix, the stakes were even higher. Starting P2, Kruimel found himself in a race-long duel with The Captain. A daring overtaking attempt in Lap 15 saw Kruimel briefly go off-track, prompting a directive from his team to give the position back. This setback only fueled his determination.
Kruimel retook the lead with a clean move on Lap 16, and a thrilling exchange of positions over the final laps ended with him defending brilliantly to win by 0.726 seconds. The victory not only secured the race but also crowned him as the 2024 F1 World Champion.
Reflections on Greatness
Kruimel’s journey to his second title was defined by his unwavering focus and adaptability. Facing challenges from both his teammate and rival teams, he consistently delivered under pressure. His ability to navigate complex strategic scenarios and his dominance in wheel-to-wheel battles set him apart.
After the race, Kruimel reflected on his achievement:
“This season has been incredible, and to win the championship again feels surreal. Every race pushed me to my limits, and I’m grateful for the team’s support and the battles we’ve had on track.”
Legacy and What’s Next
With his second championship secured, Kruimel now joins an elite group of drivers who have defended their titles successfully. While the remaining races in Mexico, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi may no longer affect the championship outcome, they will serve as an opportunity to further showcase his dominance.
The focus now shifts to the 2025 season, where Kruimel will face the challenge of maintaining his reign at the top amid a grid full of hungry contenders. If his performance this year is any indication, the Dutchman is ready to continue building his legacy as one of the sport’s finest.
For now, the motorsport world celebrates the remarkable journey of Kruimel—a champion who has risen above the competition to claim his place among Formula 1’s greats.
