Perez says team misjudged cut-off time after Q1 exit

"We misjudged the cut-off time, we basically stayed out a bit longer which meant that we were 35 seconds off the cut-off time, so those seconds were enough to prevent me from completing the lap," he said.

"I think we did two unnecessary extra laps and now we have to sit with the team to review and make sure it doesn't happen again."

The Mexican was the fifth driver to be knocked out as per the new qualifying format, ending 18th.

But the 2014 podium finisher at Bahrain was encouraged with Nico Hulkenberg's pace, who made it into Q3.

"I think the car has the potential, Nico showed the steps we made, it is going to be a hard race for me [to score points], to come from the [back of the] grid but certainly not impossible."

Hulkenberg "surprised" with top eight

While Perez failed to make it into Q2, teammate Hulkenberg, under the new format made it to the final leg of qualifying, finishing eighth.

The German was surprised with the pace, after a tough Friday. "It is a good and positive news, certainly a nice surprise for me.

"I didn’t really expect that [top eight], because we didn’t really look good all weekend," he said.

"So to out pace a few cars in qualifying where we didn’t expect [is a surprise].

"The changes we made [Friday] night took us in a good direction and made the difference [in qualifying]," he added.

When asked if he has a disadvantage having to start on used supersoft tyres with those behind having a free choice, the German wasn't concerned.

"It’s true that the cars directly behind me have a free choice of tyres, but I’m happy with where I’m starting because it’s always better to be further up the grid.”