Why David Croft isn’t commentating at Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Harry Benjamin replaces ‘Voice of F1’ for third race
Formula 1’s legendary commentator David Croft has put down the microphone for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend.
The voice of F1 on Sky Sports is absent from the Baku City Circuit – the third race weekend he has missed this season.
4
‘Crofty’ has been Sky’s lead commentator since the broadcaster obtained the UK television rights to F1 from the BBC in 2012.
He had 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 Azerbaijan GP this Sunday.
The trip to Eastern Europe is the last of three pre-planned absences for Crofty during the 2024 season, with Austria and Emilia Romagna the two he’s already missed.
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!
“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.”
4
4
Crofty issued an update on his whereabouts during Friday’s practice sessions in Azerbaijan.
Sharing pictures of himself and his wife on Instagram during a holiday in France, he wrote: “We had a little mini-moon in Paris where we ate at Cafe de l’Homme and L’Oiseau Blanc – both of which we off the scale incredible!!
“And we wore berets, took lots of photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background, people watched to our hearts content and enjoy some truly awesome moments :))
“Now we’re off to Baltimore for the most incredible wedding present my gorgeous wife could ever have got me. Stay tuned for details.”
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 Azerbaijan with Croft’s regular partner Brundle.
4
Benjamin has already filled in for Croft this season, so he’ll be more than ready to do so once more.
But once this Grand Prix is over, ‘Crofty’ will be back for the run-in.
