Two-time title winner Fernando Alonso will be zeroing in on his 400th Formula 1 start during the 2024 grand prix season. That is an all-time record, and he is the only currently active driver to have been part of more grand prix weekends than Sky Sports’ lead F1 commentator David Croft.
And even the great Spaniard had some time off, with a sabbatical from grand prix racing between 2018 and 2021.
It was recently announced that Croft, a veteran of more than 350 races, will step away from the microphone for three rounds in 2024 – which is a punishing 24-race line-up for the first time in grand prix racing’s history.
That will give the 53-year-old time to get married and reflect on hugely successful career calling the races, which stretches back to 2006 with only one race missed due to the birth of his son.
“I want to see what the viewer sees too”
David Croft
Last week, Croft told the Independent newspaper: “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. [And] 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.”
His is a tale of a man dedicated to succeed in broadcasting, working the late shifts and the long hours to make his way to the top of his chosen profession. Croft himself says that whenever he gets asked by aspiring broadcasters about the best route to the top, there is no substitute for graft.
His job is a tough one because fans of a certain age will always hold up any motor racing commentary to the standards of the inimitable late Murray Walker. He was the voice for a generation, and it is fair to say Croft has become the voice for the new generation.
His partnership with Martin Brundle
