Perez: 'I cannot believe what I've done' in Monaco crash

A sombre Sergio Perez has reflected that he "cannot believe what I've done" after crashing out of Formula 1 Qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Having finished FP3 in second place, Perez crashed heavily at Sainte Devote early in Q1, causing a huge amount of damage to the rear of the RB19.

The gearbox will need replacing, and boss Christian Horner has not ruled out a chassis change for the Mexican driver.

To make matters worse, Perez's teammate Max Verstappen pulled out a last-ditch stunning lap to grab pole position, and is primed to extend his 14 point lead in the championship to a potential 40 if he wins with fastest lap and Perez does not score.

And Perez was in disbelief over the incident after Qualifying.

Perez reflects on Monaco crash

"It is unbelievable and I cannot believe what I've done," Perez told media, including RacingNews365.

"It just caught me by surprise, just getting the rear out of shape, especially really late into the corner, it caught me out.

"It is a way of getting the lap time out of [the car], but I just went over the limit. I became a passenger and there was nothing else I could do because it was really late into the corner and I could not cut or get out of the corner.

"I didn't feel like I over-pushed it, but it was a big mistake from my side - I am very sorry to my team.

"It just came around and was a big surprise. It isn't an excuse, I should have done better today.

"You put so much energy, so much work into preparing for everything and then you just disappoint everyone, so it is unfair to my team.

"I'm super disappointed with myself and I know that tomorrow is going to be impossible.

"We could have had a shot at pole today, but I didn't drive to my level, that's why I am standing here.

"It's going to be a nightmare tomorrow. I do expect a very difficult race, whatever you do [with strategy] people just cover you. You'll end up in the same position."