Why isn’t David Croft doing Sky F1 commentary in Imola and who is his replacement?
Dav🍨id Croft will be absent from Sky F1's coverage of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
David Croft will be missing from the Sky Sports F1 coꦺmmentary booth at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
This is due to Croft, who has been the lead commentator on Sky Sports’ F1 coverage since its first sea🦹son in 2ꦜ012, stepping back from several races this season.
Sky Sports announced a major change to ꦛtheir F1 coverage last season with Croft absent at three races in 2024, which marked the first time he was not present at a grand prix during his time with the UK broadcaster.
Last season Croft missed Imola, Austria𒐪 and Azerbaijan - and the 54-year-old Briton is set to s♔kip the same three rounds again this season.
Explaining the reasoning behind the decision last year, Croft told The Independent: “It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole 🐎season. I’m not getting any younger.
“I’ve given up๊ and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world.”
Just as last season, Croft’s replacemen🎀t at this weekend’s race at Imola will be Harry Benjamin.
Who is Harry Benjamin?
Benjamin steppe🥂d in for Croft last season when he made his broadcasting debut for Sky Sports F1.
Since March 2022, Benjamin has led BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage of F1 while freelanciဣng for Sky Sports F1.
Prior to his F1 work, Benjamin commentating�൲� on Formula 2, Formula 3 and the Porsche Super Cup.
He🃏 also worke🥀d for mahbx.com on our MotoGP podcast.
He has also worked as a voiceover artist for Arsenal FC, appeared on Netflix’s Drive to Survive F1 documentary series and hosted on the main stage at the 2꧋022 British Grand Prix.
Before switching careers🅰, Benjamin worked 🅷in the performing arts industry and trained as an actor, performing in the West End, as well as working on major feature films.
Benjamin uses the trademark “it’s eyes to the lights and foot♊ to the floor” to start a race he is commentating on.
Rotation has become a more common part of Sky Sports’ F1 coverage amid a growing calendar whichಞ now comprises a gruelling 24-race schedule.
Even co-commentator Martin Brundle skips several races throu🌸ghout the seℱason.
Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for mahbx.com around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in ♈the sport.
