David Croft to Miss Azerbaijan Grand Prix; Harry Benjamin Steps In
Summary
Sky F1 commentator David Croft will miss the Azerbaijan GP; Harry Benjamin steps in. This planned absence is due to the expanded F1 calendar, allowing Croft to prioritize family.
Sky F1 Commentator David Croft to Sit Out Azerbaijan GP
Veteran Sky F1 commentator David Croft will miss the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Harry Benjamin stepping in as his replacement. This marks a planned absence from the demanding Formula 1 calendar for Croft.
Why it matters:
The expanded F1 calendar's toll on personnel is evident, leading many, including key broadcasters, to strategically skip events. This highlights the increasing need for work-life balance even among established figures in the sport.
The details:
- Croft, 55, will sit out three races on the F1 2025 calendar, including Azerbaijan. This mirrors his 2024 schedule, which also saw him miss the Emilia Romagna and Austrian Grands Prix.
- He cited in 2024: "I’m not getting any younger... I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world."
- Harry Benjamin Steps In:
- Benjamin, who leads BBC Radio 5 Live F1 coverage since 2022, will assume Croft's lead caller role in Baku.
- He has extensive experience in feeder categories like Porsche Supercup and Formula 3.
- Benjamin debuted on Sky F1 during the 'F1 Kids' broadcast of the 2023 Hungarian GP and made his lead commentary debut at the 2023 Emilia Romagna GP.
What's next:
Croft is scheduled to return for the Singapore Grand Prix, a week after Azerbaijan, and will cover the remaining six races of the F1 2025 season.
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/why-david-croft-is-set-to-miss-azerbaijan-grand-pr...