SKY SPORTS F1 will undergo a major broadcasting change this season.
It comes after the channel’s lead commentator David Croft announced he would be stepping back from three races this year to manage his workload.
AlamyDavid Croft will miss an F1 race for the first time in 16 years[/caption]
The 2024 Formula One season will have a record-breaking 24 races – a calendar decision which has not pleased world champion Max Verstappen – spread over a 40-week period.
In an interview with The Independent, Croft, 53, said: “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. 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.”
It will be the first time in 16 years that Crofty – as he is affectionately known by colleagues and fans – will miss an F1 race.
The last race he did miss came in 2007 at the European Grand Prix due to the birth of his son.
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Croft, who has covered more than 350 F1 races over his career and been Sky’s lead voice since they took over the broadcasting rights in 2021 – will add 21 more to his record over the course of this season.
He added: “The triple headers do take their toll, you can be pretty exhausted by the end of it.
“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 was exhausting. I think that’s something which could be addressed.
“But we’ll see 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.”
Sky have already lined up BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Harry Benjamin as his substitute.
Prior to working for Sky, Croft worked for 5 Live between 2006 and 2011.
F1 has started pre-season testing for the 2024 season.
But day two saw the morning session cancelled after Lewis Hamilton‘s car appeared to damage a kerb on the track.
Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year
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