Following Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff’s warning to his drivers about unsettling the harmony inside the championship winning team, Salo says that should a dispute erupt, a shake-up would likely ensue, with either Hamilton or Rosberg being shown the door.

And Bottas could then step up to the mantle and join the German manufacturer’s team.

“I hope that the Mercedes drivers continue their fight, one of them goes and Valtteri can move in,” Salo told Finnish broadcaster MTV.

“It would be a place where Valtteri will finally be able to win races. His problem is that he has been at Williams throughout his career, even though they have been making quite good cars.”

While we wouldn’t encourage Bottas to be dependent on Salo’s scenario, there is a feeling that the Finn may be growing impatient, and will endure one more year at Williams with the hope of finally entering the winner’s circle this year.