Sergio Perez misses Austrian GP media day as Red Bull provide update

Red Bull designer Newey admits 2023 looks 'tough' amid testing restrictions

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is sitting out of F1 duties on Thursday ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix due to illness. The team confirmed that he became unwell overnight and will not be interviewed by the media, casting doubt over whether he would be available to compete on Sunday at the team’s home race.

Perez is taking the day to rest ahead of the race weekend in hopes that he will be fully healthy in order to turn around his recent disappointing form.

In a statement, Red Bull said that Perez “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.”

The 33-year-old has failed to finish in a podium place in the last three races, as his future in Red Bull has been questioned with the team looking to push Max Verstappen in the best way that they can – prompting reports that he could even be replaced by reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo.

Before travelling to Austria, Perez admitted that there was pressure to go the “extra mile” this weekend. “It’s always great to race in Austria,” he said. “Of course, it’s home to Red Bull and that makes it extra special for us in the team.

“I also can’t believe how many Mexicans are here. Every year I see the Mexican flag flying when I arrive at the track and that makes me happy. The focus will be on the track for me. I know how important it is for me now to have a consistent weekend and really produce a result. I know I can do that. It looks like the weather could get treacherous.”

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Austria sets the scene for the second sprint race of the season on Saturday, with Perez likely desperate to recover in time after winning the first sprint of the season in Azerbaijan.

“It’s a sprint race weekend, so the time in the car for set-up will be minimal,” he added. “We have to maximize every moment in the preparation.

“Last time in Baku I had a lot of fun and I was successful, but that was on a different circuit. I want to achieve the same thing now, but I know that I have to go the extra mile.”

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