Although Max Verstappen secured a fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, the 2024 season still has plenty to offer. The Constructors’ title race is pretty much alive and the Ferrari vs McLaren showdown is guaranteed to provide fireworks.
However, the race broadcast will miss Naomi Schiff’s flair. The F1 presenter has confirmed she will be absent at the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP. “Signing off for 2024 from Qatar. See you in 2025 F1,” she wrote.
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The 2024 season turned out to be an exciting one, with Verstappen finally having to fight to capture the crown. Schiff described the season as “a busy one” for her in terms of work, adding that it had “been a great year with incredible racing and suspense“.
Upon reading Schiff’s post, several fans shared that they will miss her coverage. One fan wrote, “I really enjoy listening to you and watching you. Have a great, well-deserved break.”
Another commented, “You will be missed! Really sad we didn’t get to see more of you this year!”
Schiff’s presence will undoubtedly be missed by regular viewers and her colleagues. However, the skip doesn’t come as a surprise. Many pundits and presenters had chosen to sit out multiple race weekends in 2024. Schiff just decided to do so for the last race.
Why does F1 no longer have a consistent broadcasting team?
As much as all the F1 presenters and pundits love their job, Sky Sports and other broadcasters have decided it is best to divide the duties of their team members as the calendar continues to expand. With a record 24 races this season, several presenters and pundits have missed one or two races.
Even some of the most experienced presenters, such as Martin Brundle and David Croft, have missed races this year. Brundle missed last weekend’s Qatar GP and was replaced by 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button in the commentary box. Earlier this year, during the Azerbaijan GP weekend, both Brundle and Croft were absent.
Brundle did not attend that race because, according to the details of his reported contract, he is only permitted to attend 16 of the 24 races in 2024. Meanwhile, Croft missed the race weekend due to his marriage to former Aston Martin employee Laura Bradley.
