Top 5 iconic commentary moments in Formula 1
Commentary in F1 plays an important role in any Grand Prix. We take a look at some of the best phrases uttered in the commentary box.
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F1 commentary has enhanced all races in history
Formula 1 is a sport filled with adrenaline. 20 of the best drivers compete against one another to be crowned as the F1 world champion. The racing is what drives the fans to tune in every other weekend to witness this spectacle. Commentary is a major part of the sport, which amplifies the experience for the viewers. Needless to say, a Grand Prix would feel incomplete without it.
The commentary makes F1 more memorable. Words spoken by legends such as Murray Walker or David Croft go down in the minds of the viewers as part of any overtake. When a fan recalls a crash or a championship-deciding moment, the fan also recalls the phrases uttered in the F1 coverage. Martin Brundle’s “Is that Glock?” during the 2008 Brazilian GP is one of the best examples.
Thus, we take a deep dive into finding some of the most iconic moments in Formula 1 commentary. Moments are engraved in the minds of all the fans who witnessed them. It was no easy task to filter out a handful of picks out of tens of iconic choices. However, here are the top 5 iconic commentary moments in F1.
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5. Murray Walker, 1998
The 1998 Belgian GP was a race in turmoil. The start was catastrophic, leading to a 13-car pile-up. Once, the race resumed, Michael Schumacher seemed to be in a world of his own as the German blitzed his way to the lead. Mid-way through the race, Schumacher was about to lap David Coulthard in the McLaren. But then, disaster struck, with the Ferrari making contact with the McLaren’s rear end.
Murray Walker exclaimed, “Michael Schumacher hits David Coulthard and is out of the Belgian GP! What an incredible development,” words which have become intertwined with this incident. Schumacher then went on to confront Coulthard in the McLaren garage but was restrained by the Ferrari crew. Max Verstappen had a similar crash while lapping a backmarker during the 2018 Brazilian GP.
4. Murray Walker, 1996
Damon Hill is the son of former two-time world champion Graham Hill. As such Damon had a heavy weight on his shoulders during his time in F1. And Hill did not disappoint as in 1996, the Williams driver took the crown at the season finale in Japan, 20 years after the tragic death of his father. It was Murray Walker’s words which perfectly described this emotional spectacle.
As Damon Hill went through the final lap, Murray’s commentary ended up making the moment really special, Murray described Damon’s fight from second on the grid. The way the Williams driver decided to push himself throughout the race and proved the critics wrong, Walker said the now iconic words, “I’ve got to stop because I have a lump in my throat.” Perhaps the best way to describe Damon fulfilling Graham’s legacy.
3. David Croft, 2018
The 2018 Belgian GP’s start was chaotic, as Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc collided heading into turn 1. Although, this did not affect the battle for the lead between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton held the lead passing through Eau Rouge and Radillion, but then it was the time for his German rival to shine. Vettel made an attempt to overtake Lewis as the two raced side-by-side.
This prompted David Croft to utter the famous phrase, “But here comes Sebastian Vettel! He is neck and neck with Lewis Hamilton. Vettel is alongside and ahead! Ocon is also ahead, they’re four abreast.” Vettel and Hamilton were four wide alongside the two Force India cars of Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon. Sebastian’s daring move is often considered as a modern F1 classic with iconic commentary.
2. Martin Brundle, 1997
Michael Schumacher is an all-time great in F1. But this legacy has come at a price of controversies. Schumacher is alleged to have crashed into Damon Hill in 1994 in a bid to take out his rival and win the championship. A similar incident happened in 1997 but this time Michael had an incident with Jacques Villeneuve. Albeit this move did not go as planned, with the Ferrari driver losing out the title.
Michael collided with Villeneuve, but Jacques was able to continue on his race. This led to Martin Brundle lashing out at the German, Brundle stated, “That didn’t work out Michael. You hit the wrong part of him, my friend. I don’t think that will cause Villeneuve a problem.” Jacques Villeneuve went on to win the F1 world championship and the commentary is forever remembered as a reality check on Michael’s controversial tactics.
Honorable Mentions
David Croft, 2019
Charles Leclerc was promoted to Scuderia Ferrari in 2019. The Monegasque had to live up to the high expectations the Italian F1 squad laid down. Leclerc proved them correct as he brought home his Ferrari in P1 on the team’s home turf in Italy. Monza, the temple of speed is crowded by hundreds of thousands of Tifosi, rooting to see a Ferrari on the top spot, and Charles delivered.
The scene of the number-16 car crossing the finish line, being cheered by the Tifosi was described beautifully by David Croft. Croft said, “Mercedes threw everything at him today, Charles Leclerc has coped brilliantly. He won in Spa, He wins in Monza!” This commentary complimented the passion and love of the Italian fans. There could have been no better way to put this sight into words.
Murray Walker, 1986
Nigel Mansell appeared to be on his way to winning the 1986 F1 championship. However, Mansell’s luck ran out as the British driver’s rear tire exploded. Sparks flew as Nigel lost control of his Williams and was forced to retire. This led to Mansell losing out on the world title. A sad and unfortunate incident, remembered as the deciding factor of the season.
Murray Walker could not hold his astonishment, as he exclaimed, “Look at that! that colossally, that’s Mansell!” Even Murray could not grasp the situation, as he seemed to be out of words to describe the scenes of the championship leader being forced to stop the car. This is on this list because of how Walker’s words resemble the feeling of the viewers in this shocking twist of faith
1. “Is that Glock?” – Martin Brundle, 2008
This is arguably the most recognized moment in F1 commentary. During the 2008 Brazilian GP, Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa were in the midst of an intense title fight. Hamilton needed to finish in the top 5 to secure the championship. It seemed to be over for Lewis as he lost out to Sebastian Vettel in the closing stages but then a miracle happened.
Timo Glock in the Toyota slowed down and this shocked the whole paddock including Martin Brundle. Brundle expressed his astonishment as he exclaimed “Is that Glock? Is that Glock going slowly?” James Allen further complimented the commentary, stating, “Oh my goodness me! Hamilton is back in position.” This went down as a fairytale moment in F1 as Hamilton won his first world title. Albeit it shattered the dreams of Felipe Massa and Ferrari.
So there we have it, some of the best moments in F1 commentary. Words that may seem insignificant on paper, but made the world of a difference. Commentary not only provides a good viewing experience but also connect the racing to a fan’s mind. It makes the racing special, makes every moment a memory. Something which will be remembered for decades to come.
Thus, we sure look forward to many more special moments in F1, which are amplified by such great commentators. Overtakes and crashes, that take our breath away. Victories make a commentator emotional and force them to express their true feeling. That is what Formula 1 is all about, the passion, the love and the enthusiasm of racing.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2383 Articles Published)