Scuderia Ferrari's German driver Sebastian Vettel speaks with journalists at the end of the qualifying session as part of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit on November 26, 2016. Lewis Hamilton will start on pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix title showdown after the defending champion bettered his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in qualifying. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo came in third to start on the second row at Yas Marina where the Australian is joined by the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen. / AFP / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images)

Former F1 driver Gerhard Berger believes that if Ferrari don’t manage to keep Sebastian Vettel happy in the upcoming 2017 Formula One World Championship then the possibility of a switch to their rivals at Mercedes could be a very real possibility.

Speaking in the German press, Berger claims that no matter who Mercedes get to replace Rosberg for 2017, it will only be a one season deal as they attempt to lure a top driver for 2018 onwards and Vettel could very easily fit the bill.

While it seems as if Vettel is more than happy with Ferrari, another disastrous season for the Maranello based squad as Mercedes continue to dominate may be the only bait Vettel needs to jump ship…

"Suddenly Ferrari is feeling the pressure. Sebastian will closely monitor their progress and take his time in renewing his contract. I'm sure deep down he wants the chance to go with Mercedes in 2018," Berger told Bild.  "So Ferrari need to try to keep Vettel happy, so they don't lose him."