Earlier this week, F1 motorsport Ross Brawn said that if Perez would not stay in F1 next year, it will be a shame for the Racing Point driver to achieve his best season to date to sit fourth in the drivers' standing. For the third time in his career, he has scored a century of points - supported by the fantastic podium at the Turkish GP - and is almost definitely going to hit his highest ever tally. 

After he was told his services would not longer be needed with long-time team Racing Point, however to make room for Sebastian Vettel as the team turned into Aston Martin Racing, the driver was unable to nail down a seat somewhere else, with his only chance now lying with Red Bull, if they decide not to retain Alex Albon. 

Perez comments on the statement implied his only chance is at Red Bull, "That one is not in my hands. At the moment, I'm just focusing on finishing on a high. If the opportunity comes, great. If not, I ' m prepared to stop for a year. "

The most recent driver to take a year off and return to F1 was Esteban Ocon. Kimi Raikkonen, too has taken a few years off. It is possible, therefore. But if Perez doesn't reutn, the nine-time podium scorer of 30 is proud of what he's done in F1. 

Before capturing that first podium of the year in Istanbul, Perez adds, "I'm pleased with how I'm performing. THere have been things that could have been better, I should have two podiums already this season, should be having a lot more points, missing two race is not ideal in such a short championship, but overall I'm pleased especially with the level of consistency throughout the year, or throughout the years. [Regarding] if it's an injustice on missing out, I think it's part of Formula 1, I always knew this is how it is. I can call myself privileged, I have had a great career, 10 years in F1 up to now. If it's the case I have to leave the sport, I can leave with a lot of pride as I've delivered with the material that I have had. Not many people can have such a career. So we'll see what happens but I'm at peace with myself. "

In the driver's standings, Perez is actually three points ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, and his score of 100 points, 41 more than team mate Lance Stroll, will be the deciding factor if Racing Point holds on to a best-ever P3 in the constructor's championship.