Two weeks break and F1 is back with the adrenaline rush! As the 2024 season, speeds ahead – Mogyoród is the world’s ‘racing capital’ for this weekend. With an action-packed schedule from Thursday onwards, the Hungarian GP 2024 is ready. Besides the thrill and speed, what else makes F1 worth every dime? The presenters. Talented veteran commentators make the sport even more interesting. They never skimp on the cheeky comments! And they never fail to give the fans memorable moments that have been engraved in their hearts and minds.
Viewers must be wondering about who will present the events. Now, giving some rest to your curious minds, we have it covered for you. Which commentators will be at the Hungaroring? Some questions need to be addressed ASAP. So, here’s everything you need to know about the commentators for the Hungarian GP 2024. Let’s find out!
Which commentators will brace the stages of the Hungarian Grand Prix?
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The 24 races-long 2024 F1 season has moved one step ahead from the midpoint. The Hungarian GP 2024 will be the second-last one, after which the summer break will begin. Meanwhile, fans can watch the races live on Sky Sports and official F1TV. These broadcasters have a hoard of star-studded commentators who add to the essence of the pinnacle of motorsport. Here’s everything you need to know about the Sky Sports and F1 TV commentary teams:
Sky Sports F1 commentators’ team
Since its inception in 2012, Sky Sports F1 has featured a dynamic lineup of presenters and commentators. These maestros have enhanced viewership experiences over the years. Here are a few names among the many:
Simon Lazenby, the channel’s lead presenter, has been a mainstay, missing only two races since 2012. His experience in the field is compared to none. David Croft, renowned as ‘Crofty,’ has been the lead commentator for quite a while. Transitioning from BBC Radio 5 Live to Sky Sports F1. He is a household name. However, he announced a three-race absence at the beginning of the season. Hopefully, the Hungarian GP will hear him once again.
Martin Brundle, former F1 racer and Le Mans champion, joined Sky in 2012. He is known for his iconic pre-race grid walks. Ted Kravitz, with 25 years in broadcasting, gained popularity with Ted’s Notebook, focusing on F1 technical insights. Both Brundle and Kravitz impart knowledge like no other. This weekend will be no different. The Hungarian GP 2024 will see the experts in their full bloom all over again.
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Which F1 commentator are you most excited to hear at the 2024 Hungarian GP?
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Actor-turned-commentator, Harry Benjamin replaced Croft for several races in 2024. And has been doing a great job since. Benjamin hasn’t let the fans miss Crofty in the commentary box. Ex-F1 driver Karun Chandhok transitioned to commentary after stints with BBC and Channel 4. He is one of the most highly revered analysts of the sport. Meanwhile, former F1 champions Damon Hill, Nico Rosberg, and Jenson Button contribute from the commentary booth, sharing valuable insights and anecdotes.
Rachel Brookes hosts The F1 Show and filled in as lead presenter at the 2020 Russian GP. Her experience in radio and TV has worked the magic in F1 as well. Natalie Pinkham, Sky’s pitlane reporter since 2012, made history by leading commentary during FP1 at the 2021 Bahrain GP alongside Chandhok and Button. Meanwhile, the Rwandan-Belgian driver Naomi Schiff, who joined in 2022 -hosts a post-race show on Sky Sports F1’s YouTube channel.
These are just a few imminent personalities constituting the Sky F1’s commentary team. Some more notable individuals have contributed to making the races more thrilling. Alongside Sky Sports F1, Formula 1’s own official F1TV too has a lineup of wonderful commentators and presenters.
F1TV commentator’s team
Will Buxton has been in this show-biz for quite some time. He hosts several features on F1 TV and the F1 YouTube Channel including Weekend Warm-Up, which he brought over from his previous role at NBC Sports. Lawrence Barretto joined F1 TV as a presenter in 2022. He is also a reporter for Channel 4’s Formula 1 coverage and has previously worked at Autosport and BBC Sport.
Sam Collins, returning in 2024, started at Williams F1 and covers technical analysis. James Hinchcliffe, IndyCar analyst since 2020, joined Weekend Warm-Up in 2022 and Channel 4 in 2023. Besides, there are more notable names in the lineup. Laura Winter and Alex Jacques are also among the long list of commentators and presenters for F1TV.
Jolyon Palmer, ex-Renault driver, assists F1 TV and BBC 5 Live. James Hinchcliffe, IndyCar analyst since 2020, joined Weekend Warm-Up in 2022 and Channel 4 in 2023. Julien-Simon Chautemps, an F1 engineer for Toyota, Lotus, Caterham, Renault, and Sauber, brings technical insights.
While speaking about commentary, how can we forget about David Croft? His presence has been missed this season. Although for three races, yet they felt like an eternity, didn’t it?
Will veteran commentator David Croff attend the Hungarian Grand Prix?
“It’s light out and away we go!” F1 fans are waiting to hear this once again. Veteran commentator David Croft has been at the frontline, calling the action for Sky Sports since 2012. And for BBC and Radio 5 before that. However, his absence has been noticed this season. Although actor Harry Benjamin replaced Crofty at Imola and Spielberg- the master of words is being missed. But where is David Croft?
In February, Croft announced that he won’t be behind the mic for three Grands Prix. Namely – Imola, Spielberg and Baku. His first leave at Imola was the first one since 2007 when his son was born. So fans have been wondering, Crofty, where are you? Speaking with the Independent, the veteran commentator reasoned, that due to the demanding calendar, he will be taking three breaks.
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Croft is marrying his fiancee Laura Bradley later this year. He is taking his time off to spend time with his family. Given the Azerbaijan GP is later in September, with Imola and Austrian GP already done, Crofty’s presence is highly anticipated at the Hungaroring this weekend. Fans are desperately waiting for David Croft’s commentary magic! The Hungarian GP 2024 would be the perfect circuit for Croft’s return. Speaking of returns, are you looking forward to F1 Kids?
Will the Hungarian Grand Prix again witness the return of F1 Kids?
F1 Kids debuted successfully in 2023 at the Hungarian GP on Sky UK and Sky Deutschland. Returning in 2024, this global hit airs across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas. With seven broadcasts scheduled, Hungaroring could see animated antics from Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Worldwide, people revere this special segment.
F1 Kids will broadcast globally with a live international feed of the Grand Prix, featuring 3D augmented graphics, child-friendly team radio transmissions, technical explainers, and vibrant graphics and animations. The package includes cartoon driver avatars and upgraded car livery designs, with ongoing enhancements planned for this season. Hopefully, the F1 Kids circus will return to Budapest to mark its first anniversary. This is where it all began!
As the stage sets for the thirteenth race, the Hungarian GP 2024 be historic this weekend. We could get another winner (who is not Max Verstappen!) The thrill is at its peak. This weekend will unfurl so many new sides of F1. Until then, you could predict your top 3 for the weekend in the comments.
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