T-1000 Absorbing metal into shoe after chase

https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/e55rct/terminator_2_t1000_absorbing_metal_into_shoe/

Earlier in the film, John is quizzing the T800 about what the T1000 can and cannot morph into in the parking lot. The t-1000 requires physical contact with a human in order to take on said human's physical form.

Later, after the mental institution escape, the T800 shots the shotgun to shoot off the T1000 that is climbing onto the back of the police car, a section of the T1000 is still stuck to the trunk/boot of the car and a few moments later John Conner reaches out, pulls the piece of metal out and tosses it to the ground..... The T1000 comes along and the piece of metal turns to liquid and joins his body.

... Does the fact that john touches the metal mean that physical contact has been made? that theoretically the T1000 could now morph to become John Conner? I don't think if this is true that is why the T1000 gave up the chase, as why would he stroll up to the piece of metal and not run and continue chasing. Interestingly in the book the thought process of the T1000 at that time is that continuing the chase would not be a valuable use of resources and finding a vehicle would be a better option.