Sky Sports F1 have made a major change to replace David Croft their coverage for the Formula 1 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend ahead of Sunday’s race.
Fans have become accustomed to hearing “It’s lights out and away we go!” from F1’s iconic commentator. But for the first time in over a decade, there will be a new voice behind the microphone as he will be replaced by Harry Benjamin for the race at Imola.
Croft has been behind the microphone for the opening six races of the 2024 campaign, but it was announced that he would be skipping the race at Imola as he looks to take some time away from F1.
The Stevenage-born commentator, affectionately known as ‘Crofty’, has led Sky Sports’ F1 commentary since the broadcaster acquired the rights from the BBC in 2012.
He has been a key part of the team over the last 12 years and before Imola had not missed a single race. But this year will see the iconic lead commentator absent for three races – ending his long spanning over 350 races without him missing a race weekend.
He celebrated his 250th race in the commentary box when settling in for the 2019 Azerbaijan GP.
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
Why David Croft will be absent for Imola
Back in February, Croft explained that he wants to spend more time with his family ahead of his upcoming wedding and gave the heads-up to F1 fans that he would be missing some races this season.
The 53-year-old will not travel for two further race weekends later in the season – the Austrian GP on June 30 and the Azerbaijan GP on September 15 – with Benjamin set to return to Sky F1 commentary duties for those races.
Croft started out as an F1 commentator in 2006, when he replaced Maurice Hamilton at BBC Radio 5 Live, after previously working with the station since 1998.
During his stint with the BBC, he was partnered with former F1 driver Anthony Davidson and pitlane reporters Ted Kravitz and Natalie Pinkham. The trio all later joined Sky Sports as the rights moved away from free-to-air to subscription TV.
In his entire career, Croft has only missed one grand prix when the birth of his son, James, clashed with the 2007 European Grand Prix. His absence won’t be prolonged, however, as Croft is only planning to be absent for the Imola race before making his return to the paddock in time for the Monaco GP on May 26.
