Unwell Perez sits out media day at Red Bull Ring

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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Red Bull: Perez doing the job 'we expect of him'

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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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.