Sky Sports forced into major change for F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix as statement released

Sky Sports will be making a huge change to their Formula 1 coverage for this weekend’s race.

After a two-week break, F1 will return this weekend with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix taking place around the Baku City Circuit.

Heading into the race, current world champion and Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen holds a 62-point lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Despite the big advantage with just eight races to go, Verstappen’s recent form will be a concern for his fans.

The Dutchman has not tasted victory since winning the Spanish Grand Prix in June and could be at risk of being caught by Norris, whose McLaren car has found pace.

Ahead of the weekend, Sky Sports have had to make a change to their commentary team.

David Croft, who has led Sky Sports’ F1 commentary team since 2012 will not be present in Baku after getting married to Laura Bradley last week.

‘Crofty’ wrote on social media: “What a weekend!! What a wedding!! What a woman!! This lady rocks my world, wherever in the world we happen to be. Utterly beautiful, kind, and loving. My best friend, my soulmate, my Mrs Croft.”

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In place of Croft, Harry Benjamin will instead call the race on Sky Sports.

Benjamin had already stepped in for Croft earlier in the season after the 54-year-old announced back in February that he would miss three races this season, Imola, Austria and Azerbaijan.

He told The Independent: “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. I’m getting married this year as well, so I’ve got a wedding to organise!”

Croft added: “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.”

Benjamin previously led the Sky Sports F1 Kids broadcast during the 2023 season and has also commentated on BBC Radio 5 Live.