An “unwell” Sergio Perez is absent from the Formula 1 paddock during Thursday’s media day at the Red Bull Ring.
The 33-year-old Mexican is second in the 2023 F1 points standings, 69 points down on his reigning champion team-mate Max Verstappen.
Like all of his F1 peers, Perez was due to participate in traditional pre-weekend media activities on Thursday at the Austrian Grand Prix, but has been relieved of these due to a potential sickness.
“He became unwell last night and is taking the day to rest to ensure he’s in the best possible health for this weekend’s race,” said Red Bull.
The team, contesting its home race this weekend, has Liam Lawson and Daniel Ricciardo on the books as reserve drivers.
It is common practice for drivers to skip Thursdays if they’re under the weather, and doesn’t necessarily suggest a significant problem.
And the expectation is understood to be that Perez will be fit to drive on Friday, which will comprise a single practice session and qualifying – as the Austrian GP marks the second sprint-format weekend of the season.
