Unwell Perez sits out media day at Red Bull Ring

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Sergio Perez was allowed to skip his media duties at the Red Bull Ring on Thursday after feeling unwell upon his arrival in Austria.

Red Bull confirmed that the Mexican driver had been ordered to rest at his hotel to ensure he will be in the "best possible health" for the race weekend that will kick off in earnest on Friday.

A period of underperformance coupled with the unwavering domination of his teammate Max Verstappen has set back Perez in the Driver's championship by 69 points relative to the Dutchman.

The Red Bull charger is hoping to rebound from his subdued form at his team's home race this weekend which features a Sprint event on Saturday.

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Should Perez remain under the weather on Friday, Red Bull Racing would opt to replace the Mexican with either Liam Lawson, who has never raced in F1, or Daniel Ricciardo.

Both drivers are well acquainted with the team's RB19 thanks to their simulator work with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

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