Lewis Hamilton was granted a waiver by Mercedes and Formula 1 for Thursday's Italian Grand Prix media day at Monza.
The reason for the four-time world champion's conspicuous absence hasn't been disclosed but a Mercedes spokesman cited an "unavoidable personal commitment".
Hamilton, who is expected to join his team later this evening, wasn't scheduled for today's official press conference that will however include his arch-rival Sebastian Vettel among the eight convened drivers.
Despite last weekend's defeat at Spa at the hands of Ferrari and Vettel, Hamilton still leads the world championship from the German driver by an advantage of 17 points.
After 13 races, both drivers have scored five wins so far this season, while Daniel Ricciardo has clinched two wins, his Red Bull team mate Max Verstappen securing one victory.
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