The final race of the F1 Co-op Season 2 delivered a mix of tension, strategy, and outright dominance as The Captain clinched his fifth consecutive pole position and followed it up with a commanding victory in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. While both championship titles had already been decided, the drivers gave fans a thrilling show to end the season on a high note.
Qualifying: The Captain’s Streak Continues
The Captain once again demonstrated his prowess in qualifying, setting a blistering 1:28.712 lap to secure pole position. This marked his seventh pole of the season and solidified his reputation as one of the grid’s most formidable qualifiers. Kruimel, the newly crowned drivers’ champion, lined up alongside him in P2, trailing by over half a second. Behind them, Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull) completed the second row, but the gulf in pace to the front two was evident.
Race Start: Intense Battle for the Lead
The lights went out under the neon glow of Las Vegas, and The Captain launched cleanly off the line. Kruimel, on an aggressive soft-medium strategy, had a slower start but used the superior grip of his soft tires to attack into Turn 1. The two went wheel-to-wheel through the first complex of corners, showcasing both skill and mutual respect. By the end of the opening lap, Kruimel’s softs gave him the edge, and he took the lead on the iconic Strip straight. However, The Captain’s DRS-powered Mercedes reclaimed the lead in lap two.
The battle for supremacy between the two friends was captivating. They traded positions multiple times, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. By lap five, tire degradation began to hamper Kruimel, forcing him to relinquish the fight and pit early at the end of lap seven.
Mid-Race Drama: Kruimel’s Setback
Kruimel’s early pit stop dropped him to P16, behind Zhou Guanyu’s Kick Sauber. Determined to make his strategy work, Kruimel pushed hard, but an ambitious overtaking move on Zhou led to contact, damaging Kruimel’s front wing. Forced to pit again for repairs, his hopes of challenging for the win evaporated. Kruimel rejoined in P16, visibly frustrated, but set about carving his way back through the field.
Meanwhile, The Captain stayed out until lap nine, ensuring he avoided traffic. A flawless 2.5-second pit stop saw him rejoin comfortably in P1, seven seconds clear of Leclerc in P2. From there, The Captain’s race was an exercise in precision and control.
The Comeback and Final Push
Kruimel embarked on a recovery drive worthy of his championship status. By lap 11, he had re-entered the top ten and set his sights on the DRS train battling for P5. In a display of relentless pace and skill, Kruimel climbed to P5 by lap 14 but was unable to close the four-second gap to Verstappen in P4 before the checkered flag.
At the front, The Captain extended his lead with every lap, finishing 15 seconds clear of Fernando Alonso, who executed a smart strategy to claim P2. Leclerc completed the podium, while Verstappen’s consistent pace secured him P4. Kruimel’s recovery drive ended in P5, 26 seconds behind his childhood friend and rival.
Analysis: A Masterclass from The Captain
The Captain’s performance in Las Vegas was nothing short of a masterclass. From pole position to the checkered flag, he demonstrated flawless execution and racecraft. With both championships already decided, this victory serves as a statement of intent for next season.
Kruimel’s race was a tale of what could have been. His aggressive strategy was undermined by the clash with Zhou, and while his recovery drive was impressive, it left fans wondering what he might have achieved without the incident. The champion’s fiery determination was on full display, even in the face of adversity.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
As the paddock heads into the winter break, the focus shifts to the third Co-op season. With no major driver transfers expected, the spotlight will be on the teams’ ability to develop their cars under the revised regulations. Aston Martin will aim to maintain its dominance, while Mercedes, with The Captain at the helm, hopes to close the gap.
The friendship and rivalry between The Captain and Kruimel are poised to take center stage. Fans are eager for a more balanced fight for the championship, with many calling on the FIA to ensure greater parity between the teams. Whether Aston Martin will welcome such changes remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts
The Las Vegas GP was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable season. The Captain’s victory capped off a stellar year, while Kruimel’s tenacity reminded everyone why he is the reigning champion. As the lights dim on the 2023 season, the anticipation for 2024 is already building. One thing is certain: the rivalry between these two Dutch stars is far from over.
