Sky F1 commentator responds after British bias claims

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft has rejected claims of the production being biased towards British drivers. 

Accusations of Sky F1’s commentary and pundits being biased have arisen recently, following the developing title fight between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. 

Similar complaints were made in 2021 when the Red Bull driver fought seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the title. 

Adrian Newey, the outgoing chief technical officer at Red Bull, stated the broadcaster is guilty of demonising Verstappen and ex-F1 driver Sebastian Vettel. 

Croft has denied claims of British bias and has insisted he does his best to remain impartial. 

“I will try and follow the story, it’s as simple as that,” Croft told Speedcafe.

“You try and follow the story wherever that story might be, and Formula 1 is unique in that there are many different stories that happen during the course of the race.

“You’ve also got to talk to the pictures, which we have no control over, on Sky, at all – they’re all from a world feed – so you’re reacting to what that director wants to put out there.”

Croft targets impartiality

Croft insists he tries his best to remain neutral during a grand prix, although points out that proving he is impartial is a serious challenge. 

The 54-year-old has been Sky F1’s lead commentator since 2012, when the broadcaster gained the British rights to air the championship. 

Sky F1 covers all sessions live and conducts several interviews pre and post-session, with its feed broadcast in the United Kingdom, Australia and other markets.  

“I try to be as impartial as I can,” Croft added. “It’s really difficult to prove whether you’re impartial or not because we all watch with a bias.

“We all watch with our own bias and our own perceptions of a comment or a statement that somebody makes. And when you’re trying sometimes to be neutral, someone will perceive that in a completely different way.

“Do I get more excited when a British driver wins? Possibly, you might think so, I don’t know because I’m in that moment.

“Do I get more excited when it’s been a thrilling race? Yes. Do I get more excited when there’s a great story to go with it? Yes. Do I get excited whoever wins? I try to.”