Speaking at Autosport International in Birmingham, Williams says the team wants to do the right thing by Bottas and does not want to stand in his way with regards his Formula 1 future.

Mercedes contacted Williams to replace Nico Rosberg with Bottas, as it needs a teammate for Lewis Hamilton following the German's shock retirement. The two teams have been locked in discussions over Christmas and into the New Year, but an agreement has yet to be reached.

When asked if it was simple a case of crossing the Ts and dotting the Is, Williams replied: “Yes, it now is exactly that. “I suppose as soon as Nico made his announcement, I knew the call was going to come from [Mercedes team boss] Toto [Wolff]. “I know that he’s admired Valtteri – many people do admire Valtteri’s talent.

“By listening to that, what did F1 do? Put in DRS. Because that way we’ll have a hundred overtakes in a race. But name me one overtake you remember since DRS. You don’t, because you don’t see the driver work.

You might have thought the technology inside this 1800s method of transportation stopped progressing right around then. Instead, buggy tech keeps advancing, and buggy makers have become electricians and metalworkers to build in all the new tech you can’t see under the traditional black paint.

It is believed the administrators FRP Advisory LLP are talking to interested parties, with one making an offer. According to Motorsport.com's sister publication Autosport, the offer is for all three Manor companies - Just Racing Services Ltd, Just Racing Ltd and Manor Grand Prix Racing Ltd.Just Racing Ltd, the holding company of Manor, and Manor Grand Prix Racing Ltd, the F1 and FOM licence holder, are not in administration. The bidder believes that to ensure the cars can be built and tested on time, a decision on the offer is required before January 20.