“I’m not getting any younger,” Croft told the Independent at the start of 2024. “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!”
Benjamin, who signals the start of the racing action with his “Eyes to the lights and foot to the floor!” trademark, has previously commentated on F2, F3 and Porsche Super Cup races as well as at events hosted by Ferrari, Goodwood and the Autonomous Racing League.
His stints in the Sky commentary box so far were generally well received. Some viewers said they preferred his lower-key style compared to Crofty’s sometimes bellicose delivery, although others took the opposite view.
Who is Harry Benjamin?
Benjamin (right) will be joined in the commentary both at Imola by Sky Sport’s regular Karun Chandhok (left)
Harry Benjamin
The voice of Harry Benjamin is likely one you will have heard before this year, with the 6ft 5inch Briton having been involved in many F1-related productions since 2021.
He initially trained as an actor at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and has performed in the West End and worked on major feature films. He switched to a career in media production as early as 2019 when he became a presenter at Autosport International, before moving on to become a regular host of motorsport events including the Intercontinental GT Challenge as well as a range of podcasts.
In May 2021 be began commentating on F1 race weekends as the lead presenter of Formula 2, Formula 3 and the Porsche Super Cup, which opened the door to more broadcasting opportunities as a voiceover artist for Arsenal FC; a main stage host at Silverstone during the 2022 British Grand Prix; a cast member of Drive to Survive from season six onwards; and as the lead commentator for the inaugural season of F1 Academy.
Since March 2022, Benjamin has led BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage of Formula 1 while also freelancing in similar roles for Sky Sports F1. He co-hosted its F1 broadcast for children in 2023 alongside aspiring young commentators. He also made his first on-camera appearance for F1 in Bahrain, where he filled in for Tom Clarkson to host the pre-race driver interviews.
What does Harry Benjamin say at the start of a grand prix?
“It’s eyes to the lights and foot to the floor as we go racing here at Baku!” are the words Harry Benjamin has used at the start of F1 races.
Crofty’s own trademarked line — “It’s lights out and away we go” — has signalled the start of F1 races for well over a decade, becoming as familiar as the great Murray Walker’s “Go, Go, Go!”.
When is Crofty coming back?
David Croft remains Sky Sports F1’s lead commentator in 2025 — meaning the plentiful Taylor Swift puns and Anthony Davidson jibes will remain — but he is once again taking the Emilia Romagne, Austrian and Azerbaijan Garnds Prix off.
“[Aside from seeking a quick refresh away from the F1 circus] I also want to sit and watch a race at home,” said the 54-year-old. “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.”