David Michael Croft was born on 19 June 1970 and raised in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. His parents’ names have not been publicly disclosed, though his grandfather received a congratulatory note from Queen Elizabeth after celebrating his 105th birthday in 2019, and his father is a regular presence on Croft’s Instagram.

He began his broadcasting career in hospital radio at Radio Fairfield. He spent three years working at BBC Three Counties Radio, first as a sports reporter then as sports editor. He moved to BBC Radio 5 Live in December 1998. During his time at the station he covered the 2002 FIFA World Cup and 2004 Athens Summer Olympics, and presented Saturday Sport on 5 during both the summers of 2004 and 2005.

Croft became the BBC Radio 5 Live Formula One commentator in 2006, succeeding Maurice Hamilton. He worked alongside former F1 driver Anthony Davidson and pitlane reporters Ted Kravitz and Natalie Pinkham. In 2012, Croft took the helm as Sky Sports F1’s lead commentator, joining Martin Brundle and others.

Croft celebrated his 250th Grand Prix as a Formula One commentator at the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. On 22 February 2024, Croft announced he would not be commentating for Sky Sports F1 on three races during the 2024 season, to manage his workload and spend more time with family.

David and his wife Laura Bradley tied the knot in a ceremony held in France in September 2024. He currently resides with his wife Laura, sons James and Daniel, and stepdaughter Ava Lily.