Perez has 'nothing left to give' as F1 form 'capitulates'

Sergio Perez has "capitulated" at Red Bull this season and his form is "beggars belief", according to RacingNews365 lead editor Ian Parkes. 

Perez's form has nosedived since the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May, scoring just 47 points in 13 championship rounds, including two sprints, and falling from second in the standings to eighth. 

In the United States, he finished behind George Russell who started from the Austin pit lane, with Red Bull's hopes of retaining its constructors' championship fading despite Max Verstappen leading the drivers' standings by 57 points.

Red Bull is now just eight points clear of third-placed Ferrari, with speculation continuing to grow around Perez's future - despite signing a two-year contract extension ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. 

Reflecting on the situation on the RacingNews365 podcast, lead editor Parkes felt Perez's form had "capitulated”.

"It is a very valid point to be honest, because we've seen and discussed Checo in-depth," Parkes explained when host Nick Golding surmised that Perez was facing an audition himself to retain his seat.

"This past season, his form has capitulated in many respects and he makes so many excuses as to why he's not on the pace of Max. 

"I just get the impression that: 'Your time is done, Checo.'

"Sometimes a driver has to hold his hand up and appreciate when he can give no more. I think Checo has reached that point in his career now when there is basically nothing left to give.

"As you've rightly pointed out, we know Max is an exceptional driver, a generational talent, and yes, it's always going to be very difficult no matter who is in that other car alongside him in the garage to reach that kind of level.

"But what Red Bull is looking for is just to have a driver that can very much at least be a wingman to Max if he is going to be the lead driver to take the fight in the championships. 

"It hasn't had that this season. It had the standout car of last season and Checo was at least able to deliver for the first time in Red Bull's history a one-two in the drivers' Championship. 

"However, he was so far adrift of Max, it beggars belief that he's fallen even further back this season."

To listen to the rest of Ian and the team's thoughts on Perez's situation, the million-dollar question it is facing and the United States GP itself, make sure to listen to the RacingNews365 podcast - available wherever you get your podcasts - and by clicking this link!