The Spaniard never seemed to be in doubt as he reacted confidently to his monster lap.
Red Bull Formula 1 team's violation of the cost cap regulations totaled approximately $1.8 million and was spread across four major areas.
While he was allowed to enter the pit lane and continue, Red Bull elected to retire Perez's vehicle on Lap 24, leaving him in last place.
Perez looked to have broken the track rules on that final lap as well, though, and this was discovered after the session, leading to a stewards' probe.
Pierre Gasly made his F1 debut with AlphaTauri, then known as Toro Rosso, at the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix.
Red Bull team head Christian Horner understands that his team cannot afford to take its foot off the throttle.
Following the Mexican's victory in Monaco, Red Bull chief Christian Horner went so far as to say that the team does not have a number one driver.
Jehan Daruvala switched to Prema Racing, where he finished third in the drivers' standings in the inaugural 2019 F3 Championships.
Sergio Perez won his first race of the season in the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend battling closely with Verstappen.
Pierre Gasly has no choice but to stay with AlphaTauri after Red Bull ruled out a comeback by extending Perez's contract.