The 32-year-old Perez, hoping to wrap up second place in the overall standings behind world champion Verstappen on Sunday, lapped the 5.2-kilometre track in 1:24.982s, 0.152s quicker than the Dutchman.

Lewis Hamilton was third, 0.240s adrift of Perez, and ahead of Brazilian Grand Prix-winning Mercedes teammate George Russell.

But the seven-times world champion, still hunting for his first victory of the year to keep his record of winning a race every year intact, is under investigation for passing two cars under red-flag conditions.

Lando Norris took fifth for McLaren ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who is level on points with Perez and the Mexican’s main rival for second in the overall standings.

Carlos Sainz was seventh in the other Ferrari ahead of Daniel Ricciardo who finished his final practice session for McLaren in eighth.

Sebastian Vettel, who is calling time on his career after Sunday’s race, was ninth for Aston Martin ahead of Williams racer Alexander Albon who rounded out the top 10.

Saturday afternoon’s hour-long session was the last chance for teams to dial their cars into the track ahead of qualifying later today.

The session was briefly halted to clear away debris from Pierre Gasly’s AlphaTauri after the Frenchman pulled into the pits with a spectacular puncture.