Why isn't David Croft at Austrian Grand Prix? Sky Sports F1 commentator replaced

Sky Sports viewers tuning into this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix will be greeted by a different voice on commentary. This is due to the absence of regular lead broadcaster David Croft from the Formula 1 race, marking his second non-attendance this year.

'Crofty', as he is affectionately known, has been a staple at Sky Sports since 2012 when the broadcaster acquired the rights to air F1 in the UK and Ireland. For many years, he was a constant presence at all races, while the presenting and punditry team around him would change.

However, with the F1 calendar now larger than ever, boasting 24 races per season, Croft decided in 2024 to sit out three races each year to recharge and spend more time with his family, a plan he has continued this year.

Last season, he missed the Emilia Romagna, Austrian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, and has chosen to do the same this year. In his stead, Harry Benjamin has been called upon to fill the void and will be behind the microphone again for this weekend's race in Spielberg.

While Benjamin may be less experienced in motorsport broadcasting, he has been covering F1 for BBC Radio 5 Live since 2022. The previous year, he was appointed as the lead presenter for F1's support series, including Formula 2, Formula 3 and the Porsche Supercup.

However, when Croft decided to forego attending the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy, Benjamin received his inaugural chance to provide commentary for Sky's headline coverage. Having returned for the Austria and Azerbaijan Grand Prix races that year, he's scheduled to call the action for the same trio of races this season.

This marks Benjamin's second time this year on the Sky commentary feed, following his stint at the Imola race in May. He's expected to make a comeback for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September.

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Last year, Croft shared his intentions to take some breaks, saying, "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."

Choosing to sit out the Austria race allows him over a month at home in Britain after the Canadian Grand Prix. He's set to return to the mic at Silverstone next weekend, enjoying a brief respite from flying until he jets off to the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of July.