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

© XPB 

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.

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.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter