Channel 4’s lead Formula 1 commentator Ben Edwards will be stepping back from the microphone at the end of the 2020 campaign.
Edwards has over 25 years’ experience in and around the Formula 1 scene, working with the BBC, prior to covering the championship on Eurosport through the late 1990s.
Edwards, an avid racer in his spare time, joined terrestrial F1 coverage on the BBC for the 2012 season, having covered the British Touring Car Championship for ITV for nearly a decade.
He has commentated on each grand prix across the past nine years, moving across to Channel 4 when it took over terrestrial rights from the BBC ahead of the 2016 campaign.
Edwards has insisted the decision to step down was entirely his own.
“Commentating on F1 for the last nine years has been a real privilege,” said Edwards. “But it’s time for me to step back from the front line of such an intense world and take a wider perspective on motorsport and life.
“Working with DC [David Coulthard], Steve [Jones] and the C4 crew has been incredibly rewarding and I wish them all the best. I’ll be tuning in!”
C4F1 co-commentator Coulthard added: “Ben is first and foremost in my eyes a racer, combine that with an attention to detail and encyclopaedic knowledge of Formula 1 and what you have is an individual who is unique in his broadcasting role.
“I consider it one of the many privileges I have enjoyed during my time in motorsport that I had the opportunity to spend nine years standing beside Ben in the commentary box.”
Channel 4 will announce a new lead commentator in due course.
