Perez sees Verstappen's problems: 'Can hit you at any time'

"It was tricky," Perez said immediately after qualifying. The Mexican enjoyed driving the RB19 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. "Q1 was quite good and really clean when you nail that lap, and really feel a Formula 1 car coming alive."

Midway through Q2 saw Verstappen drive slowly across the tarmac and eventually return to the team in the pit box. Drive problems meant the world championship leader had to retire from his car early.

"It's a shame because Max has been really strong all weekend, but hopefully tomorrow we can have both cars up there," Perez said, "you never know with these cars reliability issues can hit you at anytime." He himself already received a new gearbox, control electronics and a new battery this weekend.