Marko questions Perez’s qualifying strategy

Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko was left confused by Sergio Perez’s strategy during qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix.

Perez has struggled for form in qualifying this season having failed to reach Q3 on five consecutive occasions between Monaco and Silverstone.

When he broke his duck, he finished only ninth fastest in Hungary before a much-improved effort in Belgium.

But at Zandvoort, Perez was able to finish only seventh whilst teammate Max Verstappen cantered to pole position.

The Mexican driver opted to do two warm-up laps before going for his push effort, which was 1.3 seconds down on Verstappen's best effort.

“For Checo, they did two warm-up laps," Marko told Sky Sports Germany.

“I don't think that was the right choice.

“Besides, being Max's teammate is the worst position to be in, especially at this moment. Sergio is not the best driver in qualifying, we also know by now.

“Strategically it wasn't good either, but that was a decision by him and his engineer, how they handled it. That decision was not good and that definitely made a difference.”

Perez facing tough Dutch GP

Addressing Perez's race opportunities, Marko added: “Anything is possible here, from sunshine to heavy thunderstorms and fog.

“We are prepared for everything and we were fast in all conditions, so we are not worried about that.

“Overtaking will be difficult here, but I hope Checo will come to the front. The speed that is in the car should make for a better position than P7.

“I think McLaren is the second team behind us, although we were a bit surprised that Hamilton didn't make it to Q3.

“For us that's good because McLaren is far behind us in the championship. That is to our advantage and to Perez's advantage.”