Mercedes’ Lauda to remain German TV pundit

Despite becoming Mercedes’ major shareholder and chairman, triple world champion Niki Lauda will remain an expert commentator in 2013.

RTL, the German free-to-air broadcaster, has announced that the famous cap-wearing 64-year-old Austrian has signed on for another season and beyond.

RTL’s sports boss Manfred Loppe said he is confident the dual role as a television pundit and leading Mercedes figure will not alter Lauda’s typically outspoken nature.

"I have no doubt Niki Lauda will continue to think and talk as he always has," Loppe is quoted by SID news agency.

Lauda’s new RTL contract is through 2015.