The Red Bull driver notched up his second pole of the season in dramatic circumstances, when his first Q3 effort was enough to take top spot as his rivals faltered before Charles Leclerc crashed late on and caused a red flag to prematurely end the session.
With all drivers in the top 10 shootout unable to complete their respective final laps, the order was effectively set after the first runs, to see Perez take pole ahead of Fernando Alonso for Aston Martin – a repeat of the front row from the Saudi Arabian GP.
