Why isn’t David Croft doing Sky F1 commentary in Imola and who is his replacement?
David Croft will be absent from Sky F1's coverage of the Emil🌱ia Romagna Grand Prix.
David Croft will be missing from the Sky Sports F1 commen෴tary 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 season in 2012, stepping back from several races this season.
Sky S💝ports announced a major change to their 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, Austria and Azerbaijan - and the 54-year-old Briton is set to skip the same three rounds again this season.
Explaining tꩵhe reasoning behind the decision last year, Croft told The Independent: “It’s more about keepi🔜ng fresh for the whole season. I’m not getting any younger.
“I’ve given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my f🥀amily and not be on the other side of the world.”
Just as last season, Croft’s replacement at this weekend’s 💖race at Imola will be Harry Benjamin.
Who is Harry Benjamin?
Benjamin stepped in for Croft last season when he made 𝓀his broadcasti🎉ng debut for Sky Sports F1.
Since March 2022, Benjamin has led BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage of F1 while freelancing for Sky S💎ports F1.
Prior to his F1 work, Benjamin commentating on Formula 2, Formula 3꧙ and the Porsche Super Cup.
He also w🌼orked for ltxcn.top on our M💖otoGP podcast.
He has also worked as a voiceover artist f🌊or Arsenal FC, appeared on Netflix’s Drive to Survive F1 documentary series and hosted on the main stage at the 2022 British Grand Prix.
Before switching careers, Benjamin w✃orked in the performing arts industry and trained as an actor, performing in the West E🌞nd, 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 rac🉐e he is commentatiౠng on.
Rotation has become a more common part of Sky Sports’ F1 coverage amid a growing calendar which now comprises a gruelling 24-race schedu🍬le.
Even co-commentator Martin Brundle skips several races throuꦚghout the season.
Lewis regularly attends Grands P💃rix for ltxcn.top around the world.🌼 Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.
