The Ferrari driver secured his first pole of the year on his final effort of the session, a 1m40.203s, having ratcheted up his pace from a strong opening run in the last part of qualifying to prove unassailable for the two Red Bull drivers.
On their first flying runs of Q3, Verstappen and Leclerc set identical times - both crossing the timing line with a 1m40.445s apiece, with Perez a tenth behind. Leclerc had the edge over Verstappen in the opening sector, but the Dutchman could fight back over the remaining sectors.
Leclerc was the first of the trio to begin his final hot lap, crucially flipping the Red Bull's advantage in the second sector to go over two tenths faster than his first run.
Perez went quicker in the first sector than Leclerc, but was comparatively slower in the second sector and could only match the Monegasque in the final part of the lap.
Verstappen's final sector was quickest, but the second sector once again proved to be the difference; the reigning champion could not find enough time over the remaining parts of the lap to overturn that disadvantage.
A 1m40.391s was enough for Verstappen to beat Perez to the front row, however, and the latter will start Sunday's race next to Carlos Sainz.
Source: Autosport