When the cars head out on track at the Red Bull Ring on Sunday, British F1 fans will be treated to a new voice in the commentary box. Harry Benjamin will be the man filling in for Sky Sports F1, with long-serving play-by-play man David Croft taking a break for the second time this season.
Croft has been ever-present in Sky Sports F1’s coverage of the series since they took over broadcasting rights back in 2012. Since then, the 54-year-old has developed into an iconic figure, becoming synonymous with the sport for the British audience and earning plaudits for his high-energy calls and witty turn-of-phrase.
However, for the first time since stepping into the Sky Sports F1 booth, Croft missed a race earlier this year. The iconic broadcaster is taking a step back from three Grands Prix to manage the workload and avoid burnout as the calendar swells to a record-breaking 24-event schedule in 2024.
“It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole season,” he told The Independent earlier this year. “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.”
Therefore, after filling in for Croft in Imola earlier this year, Benjamin will be back on commentating duties for Sky Sports F1 at the Austrian Grand Prix. The 26-year-old is already a known quantity to many, having worked on Formula Two, Formula Three and as the lead voice of BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage.
Speaking to the South London Press about the opportunity, Benjamin said: “It’s a massive honour to be the one to cover for Crofty. The season is so long this year – it’s the longest ever – so there is no wonder that he wants to take a couple of races off.
“To be the one to be called upon to cover him is a massive honour. I have no idea what’s going to happen. It’s going to be scary and that’s the pressure of live sport. I’m really looking forward to it.”
