David Croft to miss his first Grand Prix since joining Sky Sports in 2012

David Croft will not commentate on all 24 Grands Prix for Sky Sports F1 in 2024. The British commentator is yet to miss a race since he joined Sky Sports in 2012, but after missing pre-season testing in Bahrain, he will also be absent at three Grands Prix in 2024.

Croft will step away from his role at three Grands Prix in 2024. It isn't clear which races Crofty will miss, but the commentator himself confirmed he will travel to Bahrain for the Grand Prix next weekend. 

Why David Croft will miss races for Sky Sports F1

"It’s more about keeping fresh for 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," Croft told The Independent.

"I want 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 want to see what the viewer sees.”

With a record breaking 24 races between March and December, the F1 schedule is becoming more and more brutal. In recent years, all Sky Sports staff members have rotated including the presenters. Croft has been one of the few staff members to travel to all Grands Prix. 

Who will replace David Croft at Sky Sports F1?

The British news outlet confirmed Harry Benjamin will replace Croft. Benjamin has worked on F1 for BBC Radio Five Live and can be heard on Netflix's Drive to Survive. He also worked as a commentator during Sky's F1 Juniors project in 2023.