Sky Sports F1 fans will notice a significant change this weekend at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, as veteran lead commentator David Croft will be missing from the commentary booth. Croft, a familiar voice who has been synonymous with Sky Sports’ Formula 1 coverage since the broadcaster’s first F1 season in 2012, is stepping back from select races during the 2025 season. This development marks a continuation of a new approach to Sky Sports’ F1 coverage that began last year, aimed at balancing the demanding nature of an increasingly packed F1 calendar with personal wellbeing.
The 54-year-old British commentator has long been a cornerstone of Sky’s broadcast team, guiding millions of viewers through the highs and lows of F1 seasons for over a decade. However, the expansion of the F1 calendar to a relentless 24-race schedule has made it increasingly challenging to maintain peak performance and freshness throughout the year. As a result, Croft has opted to miss three races again this season — the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Austria, and Azerbaijan — just as he did in 2024. This shift signals a thoughtful change, both for Croft and the network, balancing professional commitment with personal priorities.
In a candid interview last year, Croft explained his decision to step back from certain races, highlighting the toll of travel and constant work on his life outside of broadcasting. “It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole season. I’m not getting any younger,” he said. “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.” His honesty about the challenges of covering an international sport with a global calendar resonates with many who work in high-pressure, travel-heavy professions.
Harry Benjamin: The Rising Voice of F1 Commentary
Taking over the commentary duties during Croft’s absences is Harry Benjamin, a rising star in the motorsport broadcasting world. Benjamin made his Sky Sports F1 commentary debut last season at Imola, stepping in admirably during Croft’s initial breaks. Since then, he has continued to build his reputation as a knowledgeable and engaging commentator, seamlessly blending detailed race analysis with dynamic delivery.
Benjamin’s journey to F1 commentary is a diverse and fascinating one. Since March 2022, he has been the lead commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live’s Formula 1 coverage, bringing his voice to millions on the radio waves. Alongside this role, he freelances for Sky Sports F1, contributing to TV broadcasts where he has impressed viewers and colleagues alike.
His background is notably varied; before fully committing to motorsport commentary, Benjamin was involved in the performing arts. Trained as an actor, he performed in the West End and contributed to major feature films, honing a performance skillset that clearly enhances his broadcasting presence. This unique combination of dramatic training and motorsport knowledge allows him to bring an engaging and energetic style to the commentary box.
Prior to his work in Formula 1, Benjamin cut his teeth covering lower formulas such as Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Super Cup. He has also contributed to the motorsport podcast scene, notably with Crash.net’s MotoGP podcast, showcasing his versatility across racing disciplines. Furthermore, he appeared in Netflix’s acclaimed “Drive to Survive” documentary series, which has played a key role in expanding F1’s global fanbase.
Known for his signature race start phrase, “it’s eyes to the lights and foot to the floor,” Benjamin has quickly become a fan favorite and is viewed as a natural successor to Croft during his rotations. His ability to convey the drama, speed, and strategy of Formula 1 racing complements the expert insights of co-commentators, ensuring that Sky Sports maintains its high standard of broadcast excellence.
Adjusting to a Gruelling Calendar: Why Rotation is Key
Sky Sports’ decision to rotate commentators, including Croft stepping back from certain events, is part of a broader trend in Formula 1 broadcasting prompted by the sport’s rapidly expanding calendar. With the F1 schedule now featuring 24 races across multiple continents, the demands on commentators have increased significantly. The intense travel, preparation, and live broadcasting require commentators to be at their best for each event, which is not sustainable over such a lengthy and global season without strategic breaks.
Not only Croft but also other key voices like Martin Brundle, Sky Sports’ experienced co-commentator, regularly miss several races to manage their workload and ensure quality coverage. This rotation policy helps maintain high energy and sharpness in commentary, benefiting both the viewers and the broadcast team.
As Formula 1 continues to grow in popularity worldwide, broadcasters are adapting their approaches to meet the sport’s evolving demands. For David Croft, this means striking a balance between his passion for F1 and the need for personal time. For Harry Benjamin, it represents a golden opportunity to cement his place as a leading voice in F1 broadcasting and gain invaluable experience in front of millions of viewers.
