Hamilton’s absence from the 2021 grid, which would still be surprising, would see George Russell replace him alongside Bottas.
Russell outperformed Bottas in his one outing in the Mercedes at the Sakhir Grand Prix last season until a late pit-stop error and puncture scuppered his victory hopes.
Bottas qualified in pole position but was beaten by the P2 Russell in Turn One. The pair finished the race in eighth and ninth position respectively.
Should Hamilton and Mercedes make the surprise decision to part ways and not renew their contract, Russell and Bottas would be set for many more tussles atop the F1 standings.
Bottas may say he does not care who his team-mate is, and Russell would be no gimme, but Hamilton, not Russell, is the seven-time world champion.