Croft out of F1 hot seat

By Paul Gover

Date posted: May 17, 2024

Formula One fans will hear someone new on the Foxtel coverage of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend as David Croft, the long-term spruiker for Formula One, is stepping down.

His place is being taken by Harry Benjamin, who will be joined in the central commentary position by Karun Chandhok.

Croft brought his shouty style to Sky Sports from a range of popular British sports including darts and has headed the commentary for every F1 race since 2012.

But his absence is not a full-time move.

Instead, with the grand prix schedule expanding to 24 races in season 2024, he has joined other members of the Sky crew in skipping some races.

For Croft fans, it means he will be missing from Imola, Austria and Azerbaijan.

His long-term partner and expert analyst Martin Brundle will also be out from a number of races in ’24, including Imola.

Harry Benjamin has occasionally hosted FIA Press Conferences, pictured here at Bahrain. Photo: Simon Galloway / LAT Images

Croft said he has decided to skip some races to “stay fresh” in a year when he will also be married.

“I’m not getting any younger,” Croft told the British daily, The Independent.

“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.”

Benjamin is well qualified to take Croft’s spot as he has been the ‘voice’ of F1 on the BBC radio coverage through its Channel 5 broadcasts.

He originally trained as an actor before switching to the world of television and video in 2019, then graduating to grand prix weekends in 2021 to present the coverage of Formula 2, Formula 3 and the Porsche Supercup.

“I’m very excited. I mean, big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to it,” Benjamin said.

Croft will return to F1 commentary for the next leg of the world championship, the Monaco Grand Prix.

The Practice coverage kicks off at Imola at 21.00 AEST on Fox Sports/Kayo tonight.

Main Photo by Mark Sutton / Sutton Images

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Croft out of F1 hot seat

Instead, with the grand prix schedule expanding to 24 races in season 2024, he has joined other members of the Sky crew in skipping some races.

“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 very excited. I mean, big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to it,” Benjamin said.

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