Perez blames Giovinazzi for missed pole opportunity

Sergio Perez has said his final shot at pole was ruined when he got stuck behind the Alfa Romeo of Antonio Giovinazzi in the closing stages of a crazy qualifying session in Turkey.

The Mexican driver, who is currently without a seat in F1 for next year, was fastest in the session thanks to switching to intermediate tyres but in the frantic last minutes his time was bettered by team-mate Lance Stroll and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

“We were unlucky,” said Perez. “On my final lap, when the track was at its best, I had Giovinazzi in front and he simply didn’t move out the way and then I lost my lap. It was looking very good.

“I think it was a great call [to choose intermediates]. From the beginning we were pretty strong. Track position was key, to be able to maintain your temperature on the tyres."

Perez had been searching for an unexpected maiden Formula 1 pole position, an achievement instead secured by Stroll, but instead equalled the best qualifying position of his 192 race career - the Mexican having started third previously in the Russian Grand Prix of this year.

However, with the odd numbered grid slots being on the slightly more grippy side of the track, the Mexican is confident he can press on in the race.

He added: “We are definitely in a great position. I definitely prefer P3 to P2. I think tomorrow at the start that will be a good difference."

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