As Sky F1 undergoes significant changes, speculation is rising over the futures of long-serving commentators Martin Brundle and David Croft. This follows the announcement that 1996 World Champion Damon Hill will leave Sky Sports F1 at the end of the 2024 season.
Damon Hill’s Exit Sparks Debate
Damon Hill, a familiar face on Sky’s F1 coverage since 2012, announced his departure between the Brazilian and Las Vegas Grand Prix weekends. Hill shared his admiration for his colleagues, saying:
“It’s been a fantastic 13 years with Sky Sports F1, but all good things come to an end. I will miss the most impressive bunch of professionals I’ve had the pleasure to work with.”
The announcement has led to questions about other stalwarts of Sky’s F1 lineup, including Martin Brundle and David Croft, who have been central to the broadcast since its inception.
Johnny Herbert Weighs In
Former Sky F1 pundit Johnny Herbert, who himself left the network in 2022, expressed concerns about the changing landscape at Sky. In an interview with FlashscoreUSA.com, Herbert hinted at the possibility of further shakeups, saying:
“There is change going on. If [Hill] was pushed, then you wonder what could happen to Martin Brundle and David Croft.”
Herbert suggested that Hill’s departure could stem from backlash over his controversial comments on Max Verstappen. Hill had previously questioned Verstappen’s ability to race fairly, drawing significant criticism after Verstappen’s penalties during the Mexican Grand Prix.
Backlash Over Max Verstappen Comments
Hill faced intense scrutiny after stating that Verstappen might not be “capable” of fair racing, which he claimed was “not in his repertoire.” The backlash reportedly left Hill disheartened.
“He was very unhappy at the crazy level of abuse he got over his Max comments,” Herbert revealed, adding that the negativity may have influenced Hill’s decision to step away.
What’s Next for Sky F1?
With Hill’s departure confirmed, the focus now shifts to Brundle and Croft. Both have been integral to Sky’s F1 coverage, and their potential exit would mark the end of an era.
As the 2024 F1 season continues with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Sky’s lineup faces growing uncertainty. For fans, the question remains: will Sky F1’s iconic voices stay or be the next to exit?
Las Vegas GP and Beyond
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is the first of a triple-header concluding the 2024 season. As Max Verstappen seeks to secure his fourth World Championship, Sky F1 faces its own battle to navigate through this period of transformation.
The changes at Sky F1 could redefine the way fans experience Formula 1 commentary, making the future of Brundle and Croft a pivotal story to watch.
