Perez reports in sick ahead of Austrian GP

Sydney, June 29 (BNA): Red Bull has canceled its media commitments to Sergio Perez at the Austrian Grand Prix at home on Thursday after the Mexican Formula 1 driver reported being ill.

“He was fine last night and is taking today to rest to ensure he is in the best possible health for this weekend’s race,” the team said.

Perez is Max Verstappen’s closest challenger for the title but is still 69 points behind his two-time world champion teammate after eight races, Reuters reports.

The Mexican needs a strong performance for Spielberg after failing to qualify in the top 10 or stand on the podium in the last three races.

This weekend is the second sprint of the season, and Perez won his first event in Azerbaijan in April, winning the Sunday Grand Prix as well.

This race in Baku remains his last win and he has only taken one podium since then while Verstappen won the last square.

Friday features one practice session and qualifying for the Sunday race with Saturday being an independent race day.

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