Sky Sports F1 commeꦜntator David Croft will be absent at three races in 2024 - the first time he won’t be present at a grand prix during his time with the UK broadcꦏaster.

As revealed by , Croft has decided to take a small step🎃 back.

Harry Benjamin - who has commentated on FIA Formula 3 and F1 juniors - will be his re✱placement.

Crof🎉t has been ever-present for Sky since joining their coverage as lead commentator in 2012.

The 53-year-old is set to miss Imola, Austria and Azerbaijan,ꦯ with Croft keen to focus on his family as he prepares for his wedding later this year.

Croft told The Independent: “It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole season. I’m not getting any you♊nger.

“I’ve given up and sacrificed a lot for my ca♈reer. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world. I’m getting married this year as well, so I’ve got a wedding to organise!

“But I also want to sit and watch a race at home. I w🧸ant to enjoy it. Maybe I can learn something by not commentating on a race. I can spot a few things when I’m watching – I ꦬwant to see what the viewer sees.”

Croft’s decision to miss a few 🐈races isn’t too surprising given the rest of the Sky Spo🐻rts F1 team tend to rotate.

Co-commentator Martin Brundle is contracted to be at only 18 races, so he w𒐪ill be absent for six weekends in 2024.

The ever-growing F1 calendar - now at a record-breaking 24 - is only putting additional strain on personnel as they spend even more time a🐻way from home.

“The triple heade𒁏rs do take their toll, you can be pretty exhausted by the end of it,” Croft added.

“The one time-shift you could really do without is Vegas to Qatar. I’d like to see Vegas change its times a bit. A 12-hour shift in 🎀time-zones – you can’t do mo⛦re than that on this planet. Abu Dhabi last year was exhausting. I think that’s something which could be addressed.

“But we’ll ꩵsee what 24 [races] is like. It’s uncharted territory. It will be a huge effort for everybody. If we have a close season on track, the adrenaline carries you along a little bit. If the title’s wrapped up early, then it can be a bit ‘another race, another race’ so we’ll see.”