EXCLUSIVE: F1 legend's replacement reveals incredible past with announcer

English commentator Harry Benjamin is set to replace legendary commentator David Croft in the Sky Sports announcing booth this season, when the broadcasting titan takes his first mid-season break in over a decade.

Benjamin, who presents radio commentary for the BBC and hosted Sky's F1 Kids broadcast in 2023, will replace Croft at Imola in May, Austria in June and Azerbaijan in September as the veteran takes a couple of weeks off from the longest season in the sport's history.

Speaking to GPFans ahead of the start of the new season, Benjamin admitted that the role comes with a lot of pressure, but also called it a 'massive honour' to replace a modern F1 legend.

READ MORE: F1 on TV: How to watch 2024's record-breaking season in the US

Speaking after the news was announced last month, Benjamin said: "Of course there's massive pressure to be the one to cover for Crofty whilst he takes his well deserved breaks. It's a massive honour.

"Thankfully, I've built up steadily over the last few years. I did Porsche Supercup, Formula 3, Formula 2, and a bunch of other racing series before covering F1 for the BBC.

"But, it's live sport that's broadcast worldwide...I have no idea what's going to happen. It's fantastic, it's scary, and that pressure will hopefully transform into me doing a good job."

In fact, Benjamin even modelled himself on Croft and fellow Sky F1 voice Simon Lazenby's styles to some extent, admitting that he would copy parts of their broadcasts in the privacy of his own bedroom.

"I remember the first ever Sky broadcast so vividly," he said. "2012...Australia...Getting up in the middle of the night to watch FP1...And I watched and listened to what Simon Lazenby and Crofty's opening links were and write them down, and then do my own version from my bedroom!

"It's quite a nice full circle moment for me."

Harry Benjamin spoke exclusively to GPFans' Jim Kimberley ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Jenson Button: Former F1 world champion, NASCAR racer and Sky F1 pundit

Related

More F1 news

Full News Feed

F1 Miami Grand Prix final results confirmed after LATE FIA penalties

• 1 hour ago

Lewis Hamilton frustrated after Ferrari struggles at Miami GP

• 3 hours ago

McLaren F1 boss opens up on Max Verstappen transfer availability

• Yesterday 23:00

F1 Results Today: Kimi Antonelli takes victory as Ferrari star crashes on final lap

• Yesterday 21:10

Red Bull star crashes out at Miami Grand Prix

• Yesterday 19:30

Disqualification, qualifying fires and DNS - F1 team's Miami Grand Prix nightmare

• Yesterday 17:48