Sky Sports set for major shake-up to their team in Imola this weekend

F1 News

Sky Sports to be without David Croft in Imola
16 May at 13:15
Last update 13 May at 09:16
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  • Sophia Crothall

Sky Sports F1's David Croft is set to miss three races this season for the first time in 16 years. The first being this weekend in Imola. Instead, the lead commentator will be replaced by BBC 5 Live's Harry Benjamin.

Since 2012, David Croft, also known as Crofty, has been the lead commentator for Sky Sports F1 since it acquired the rights from the BBC. During this time, he has not missed a single race. 

However, Crofty has now decided to take a step back from the grueilling schedule, and will miss three races this season. Speaking to The Independent, he said: “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.”

What other races will he be missing?

The lead commentator will also be missing at Austria and Azerbaijan this season. During his career, Crofty has covered over 350 races. Prior to his career with Sky, he worked as a commentator for the BBC, and only missed one race. This was the 2007 European Grand Prix due to the birth of his son.