FORMULA 1 is back this weekend with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – but legend David Croft won’t be in the commentary booth.
Known as the the voice of F1 on Sky Sports, Croft has been a mainstay of the channel’s commentary for over a decade.
But this weekend he will be missing from the Imola Circuit – the first race he’s missed for a whopping 16 years.
Croft will also miss a further TWO races this season, the Austrian Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Back in February, Croft announced that he would be reducing his workload this season by missing three races.
Croft is getting married this year and spoke of having to organise the big day, as well as giving back to his family.
“It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole season. I’m not getting any younger,” he told The Independent.
“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.”
Croft has been replaced by Harry Benjamin, who works for the BBC Radio 5 Live on their F1 coverage.
Benjamin has also done commentary work on Formula 2 and Formula 3 races.
Benjamin said: “Very excited. I mean, big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to it.
“What a track to do it at as well, Imola, and stood alongside Karun too. I’m honoured.”
