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

As revealed by , Croft has 🌼decidedℱ to take a small step back.

Harry Benjamin - who has commentate𝓡d on FIA Formula 3 and F1 juniors - will be his replacement.

Croft has been ever-present for Sky since join🔴ing their coverage as lead commentator in 2012.

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

Croft told The Independent: “It’s more about keeping fresh fo💞r the whole season. I’m not getting any younger.

“I’ve given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. 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 want to enjoy it. Maybe I can learn something by not 𒆙commentating on a race. I can spot a few things when I’m watching – I want to see what the viewer sees.”

Croft’s decision to mis⛄s a few races isn’t too surprising given the restꦉ of the Sky Sports F1 team tend to rotate.

Co-commentator Martin Brundle is contracted to be at on❀ly 18 races, so he will 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 😼away from home.

“The triple hea🌼ders 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 more than that on this planet. Abu Dhabi last year w🥂as exhausting. I think that’s something which could be addressed.

“But we’ll see what 24 [races] is like. It’s uncharted territory. ꧃It ꦬwill 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.”