Just before the final practice session of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the energetic sounds of Skindred, a Welsh heavy metal band, are audible from the Sky Sports commentary box overlooking the pit lane.

David Croft, affectionately known as “Crofty” to fans, serves as Sky’s chief Formula 1 commentator. He humorously remarks that the music acts as a sort of pre-workout. Karun Chandhok, a former F1 driver and now a broadcaster, watches, well accustomed to Croft’s unconventional warm-up routine.

A delegation from The Times has the privilege of entering the compact space within the TV compound at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, accessed via golf cart, to witness the dynamics of a live session.

“We are like detectives,” Croft observes while watching the Red Bull garage, where mechanics are diligently repairing Yuki Tsunoda’s car after a recent crash.

Holding a cold Sprite — a delightful relief from the Jeddah heat — and having just filmed a message for a fan who recently acquired their driver’s license, Croft prepares to engage viewers with Sky’s session coverage.

“Our audience consists of devoted F1 fans eager to deepen their understanding of the sport,” Croft explains. “We strive not to oversimplify but to make sure no one feels excluded; we want everyone to enjoy Formula 1. It should not be the best-kept secret but a sport embraced by all.”

As the session unfolds, Croft and Chandhok provide commentary. Although they are only visible for a brief moment at the beginning, they remain focused on an array of nine screens displaying everything from drivers’ tire choices to their current positions and timing data.

Chandhok contributes insights from a driver’s viewpoint, akin to contributions by Martin Brundle. Croft sees his role as a bridge connecting expert commentary to the viewers. “Brundle is the expert and analyst, having raced these cars, while I’m the broadcaster and journalist, always willing to ask, ‘What do you mean by that?'”

Croft’s first F1 race took place in Bahrain in 2006, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix marked his 376th event. He reflects, “Formula 1 wasn’t initially on my radar until someone suggested I audition. That suggestion came in a Vegas bar, as all good stories start.”

Dressed in a baby pink catsuit, Jennifer Lopez appears on the global feed, allowing Croft to make a playful pun. “I’m surprised she’s here right now; I thought she was ‘waiting for tonight.’”

Lopez shines in the paddock spotlight, but Croft also garners attention, particularly as the sport’s popularity surges. He even has a signature catchphrase.

“I’m witnessing sell-out crowds more frequently… people approaching me for photos, autographs, and conversations. It’s genuinely flattering,” he shares. “We are privileged to be welcomed into fans’ homes, serving as the voice of their sport, creating a bond significant enough for them to want to shout, ‘Lights out and away we go.’”

As the session carries on, Sky takes advertising breaks while Croft and Chandhok persist with their commentaries for the global feed. Any significant information that might be missed — such as a radio communication from Haas driver Ollie Bearman — gets replayed on Sky’s feed following the breaks.

The pauses provide time for relaxed discussions, like pondering how Kimi Antonelli manages his school and racing commitments. “I got a D in communication studies… that was my high point,” Croft jokes.

He refers to detailed handwritten notes organized by teams and drivers on notes split into different colors, and he uses a separate sheet featuring a track map labeled by corners, which he occasionally reviews. Among the buttons in front of him is one marked *cough* to keep any loud coughs off the air.

Croft seldom misses races; missing three of the 24 last season was the most he’s ever been absent. Still, he remained involved with the events.

“Last year was the first time I missed three races. I only missed one before, for my eldest son’s birth, when Murray Walker filled in for me, which was a huge honor,” he recalls.

“My wife, Laura, and I watched the Azerbaijan race together. She dozed off on the sofa, and I woke her since I was in full Crofty mode when the accidents happened with Sergio [Pérez] and Carlos [Sainz]. She wasn’t too thrilled!”

After the session, he checks his phone to discover that his beloved West Ham United are tied with Southampton at halftime, joking that had they scored, viewers would have seen his emotion on air.

Fans eager to hear more from Croft and Brundle can look forward to a forthcoming F1 movie slated for release this summer. Lewis Hamilton, one of the producers, endorsed their involvement, stating, “If you want authentic commentary, you need Martin and Crofty.” Croft appreciates the acknowledgment.

“Martin and I have recorded five or six sessions, even filming in a commentary box. We aimed for authenticity, allowing us to go off script and call the action as we normally would, which is incredibly exciting.”

However, Croft acknowledges that not everyone is in favor of his position; a growing platform comes with its critics. During a recent press conference, he posed a question to reigning champion Max Verstappen about his future amid comments from Red Bull’s senior adviser expressing concerns regarding his loyalty to the team.

“Max brushed it off,” Croft recounted. “I anticipated that response, so I said, ‘So Helmut has misread the situation?’ Max humorously said, ‘Just focus on commentary,’ indicating our good rapport. I’ve known him for a long time, and we’ve never had a disagreement.

“However, some fans hold me responsible for the question, which is part of my job. People are free to criticize; I’m used to it. I’ll be at the next press conference, and it won’t deter me from doing my job. In the public eye and on social media, resilience is key.”

He recalls one tweet from his second race: “Why don’t you use the practice sessions to practice a little less rubbish?”

Reflecting on standout moments in his career, Croft highlights the 2021 Abu Dhabi race, notable not for the outcome but for the challenge of narrating such a dramatic finale.

“Being right in the middle of that… entrusted with delivering a commentary that everyone could follow. I wasn’t expecting the twist, as Lewis seemed on track to secure his eighth title ten laps before the end,” Croft recalls. “We must have handled it well, as we won a BAFTA for our coverage. What a thrilling moment.”

“I had to end with a line I knew would be replayed repeatedly. Those iconic clips of Murray Walker will have some of mine alongside them, which feels surreal. I just love what I do and don’t take it for granted; I’m simply the voice for fans every Sunday afternoon.”