Rosberg follows Lauda as RTL pundit for 2018

Nico Rosberg will take over from Niki Lauda as RTL's resident F1 expert following the broadcaster's new free-to-air deal with The Formula 1 Group.

RTL agreed a three-year contract extension with F1 that will include coverage of all free practice sessions, qualifying and the race.

"The extension of the agreement...will guarantee that our fans in Germany will continue to watch Grands Prix on free TV," said Formula One’s media rights director Ian Holmes.

"The agreement is part of our strategy that aims to increase and strengthen television coverage on a worldwide basis, whilst tailoring it to the characteristics of each TV market."

Hamilton continues to give Rosberg a cold shoulder

Next year will see the return to the calendar of the German Grand Prix which will take place at Hockenheim in July.

RTL viewers will rely on the expert opinion of 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, who follows in the footsteps of Niki Lauda following the Austrian's decision to relinquish his pundit role.

"We have agreed. My father was the predecessor of Niki's on RTL, so I am continuing a family tradition," said Rosberg.

The German will share his duties as a consultant with former Toyota and Manor F1 driver Timo Glock.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.