Perez penalised for impeding Hulkenberg

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez will start the Australian Grand Prix in sixth place after receiving a grid penalty for impeding Nico Hulkenberg.

Perez was initially set to line up third on the grid but has been handed a three-place drop for the incident, which occurred during qualifying.

The stewards found that Perez had "unnecessarily impeded" Hulkenberg, who was on a flying lap, by pulling over to the side of the track in front of him.

Perez has admitted to making a mistake and said he was "sorry for the inconvenience" caused to Hulkenberg.

"I was trying to give him space but I didn't do it in the right way," said Perez.

"I'm disappointed with myself because I know I could have done better.

Perez's penalty is a blow to Red Bull's hopes of a strong start to the season.

The team had been hoping to challenge Ferrari for the lead of the race, but Perez's grid drop will make that task more difficult.