Perez at F1 "peak" but future not in his hands

Sergio Perez believes he is currently at the peak of his Formula 1 career this season but concedes his future is now out of his hands.

Perez secured his ninth F1 podium, and his first since early 2018, in finishing runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in the Turkish Grand Prix.

Alongside Hamilton, Perez is the only driver this season to score points from every race he has started, yet remarkably he remains without a drive for 2021 after Racing Point opted to replace him with Sebastian Vettel.

Whilst Perez recognises he has been given a good car this season to showcase his talents, he feels he has developed into a complete driver in many other areas.

"It’s been a good season, but also [with] Formula 1, it’s so much related to your car’s potential," assessed Perez.

"I think I’ve had very good seasons in the past but they were not seen as good years because of the car's potential.

"I was finishing seventh in the championship, a couple of times eighth, but I was still doing a good job, a tremendous job.

"Right now I’m at a very good level in my career, probably at my peak in terms of experience, understanding, communication-wise with the team as well. I’ve been awhile with the team so that also helps."

Perez appreciates the added turbulence of a campaign in which the team was docked 15 constructors' championship points for the copying furore, and with the Mexican missing two races following a positive test for Covid-19.

"The season has been a bit up and down due to a lot of things, circumstances, some on track, some off track," added Perez.

"But still we’re getting our season on track and I’m sure this podium will help us to finish the last few races on a high."

As to where Perez ends up at the end of the year remains open to question, with the 30-year-old still in the running for a seat with Red Bull, although the team continue to give Alex Albon as much time as is required.

Looking towards the future, Perez said: "As always you have to be delivering weekend after weekend and you are only as good as your last race, so it’s important to finish on a high. The rest is not in my hands."

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