David Croft Faces Backlash from Verstappen Fans

Sky Sports commentator David Croft has stated that he is being harassed on social media by angry fans of Max Verstappen. The British commentator has previously been criticized for allegedly favoring British drivers in his reporting. Recently, he asked Verstappen about his future in Formula 1 during a press event, to which the Dutch driver responded with an innocent joke. This resulted in a barrage of hate messages directed at Croft.

During an official press conference preceding the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, David Croft asked Max Verstappen about his future with Red Bull. Amidst all the rumors of a possible move to Mercedes or Aston Martin, the Sky Sports commentator wanted to give him the opportunity to respond. According to Croft, the question arose from statements made by Helmut Marko, who expressed concern about a potential departure of Verstappen.

Verstappen dismissed Croft’s question, stating that he was not considering a transfer. The commentator responded – with a slight wink – asking if Verstappen was admitting that Marko was wrong. “You just stick to commentating,” joked the Dutch driver, and that was the end of it. Croft considered this remark as nothing more than that; an innocent joke.

Thick Skin

“Max Verstappen brushed off the question,” Croft told The Times. “I actually expected him to do so, so I just said, ‘So, Helmut is wrong then?’ And then he said, ‘Just focus on your commentary.’ I think he was joking, to be honest. Max and I have a very good relationship; I’ve known him from the beginning. We’ve never had a fight – he’s never come to me and said, ‘I don’t like what you said.’

However, some of Verstappen’s fans have used this interaction to harass the commentator on social media, it turns out. “Some Max fans pick up on something like this and then blame me for asking a question,” Croft sighed. “But that’s my job – people just choose to attack me. That’s fine, of course. You can harass me as often as you like. At the next press conference, I’ll be there again, asking my questions. If you’re a bit in the spotlight, you just have to have thick skin.”