Mercedes link won't keep Rosberg from calling it as he sees it

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Nico Rosberg's role as a Mercedes brand ambassador won't deter RTL's new pundit from expressing negative comments on his former team should they be warranted.

The 2016 world champion will bring his expertise and insight to the German broadcaster's commentary crew next year at a series of highlighted races.

Rosberg follows Lauda as RTL pundit for 2018

But could his allegiance to Mercedes entice him to refrain from criticising his former team while he's on the job?

"My contract as a team ambassador expires at the end of the year, so I will be totally independent," Rosberg told Bild.

"It may be that I will become a Daimler ambassador next year, but that will not stop me being completely neutral and commenting critically on the races.

"Niki [Lauda] managed to do it as a member of the team, so in my situation I can as well," Rosberg added.

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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.