Why David Croft isn’t commentating at Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as Harry Benjamin replaces ‘Voice of F1’
Formula 1’s legendary commentator David Croft has put down the microphone for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.
The voice of F1 on Sky Sports is absent from the Imola circuit - the first race weekend he has missed in 16 years.
'Crofty' has been Sky's lead commentator since the broadcaster obtained the UK television rights to F1 from the BBC in 2012.
He has been ever-present since the 2012 Australian Grand Prix, often alongside former driver and colour commentator Martin Brundle.
But during a record 24 races in 40 weeks in 2024, the 53-year-old will be sidelined for the Emilia Romagna GP this Sunday.
The trip to northern Italy is one of three pre-planned absences for Crofty during the 2024 season, with Austria and Azerbaijan the other two.
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Why isn't Crofty commentating?
Crofty announced in February that he has decided to step back from three Grands Prix weekends to manage his workload.
The commentator is also getting married this year and needed the time off to plan and organise the ceremony.
He told The Independent: “It’s more about keeping 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 family and not be on the other side of the world. I’m getting married this year as well, so I’ve got a wedding to organise!
“But I also want to sit and watch a race at home. I want to enjoy it. Maybe I can learn something by not commentating on a race.
“I can spot a few things when I’m watching – I want to see what the viewer sees.”
Who is his replacement Harry Benjamin?
Croft was BBC Radio 5 Live’s commentator from 2006 to 2011 - with the only race he missed being the 2007 European GP due to the birth of his son.
He is now handing over the microphone to 5 Live’s current commentator Benjamin.
Benjamin has been a commentator for Formula 2, Formula 3 and Porsche Supercup as well as featuring in Sky Sports F1's broadcast for kids last year.
The Brit will cast his eye over Imola alongside ex-F1 driver Karun Chandhok, with Croft's regular partner Brundle also absent.
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Looking ahead to his debut, Benjamin said on the latest episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast: “Yeah, very excited. I mean, big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to it.
“What a track to do it at as well, Imola, and stood alongside Karun too. I’m honoured.”