Nico Hulkenberg says it was too risky to accept a two-race deal at Lotus

German worried about comparison with Romain Grosjean.

Nico Hulkenberg has admitted the reason he turned down the chance to race for Lotus in the last two grands prix of the season was because of concerns about how being beaten by Romain Grosjean might damage his reputation.

The German visited Enstone to discuss the possibility of replacing Kimi Raikkonen in both Austin and Brazil after the Finn decided instead to undergo back surgery. Hulkenberg is also in the running for a full-time Lotus seat in 2014 but without the guarantee of a drive then, he opted to stay put at Sauber.

Felipe Massa confirms negotiations ongoing with Lotus over possible 2014 move

Brazilian says he's also had "contact" with McLaren amid 2014 search.

Outgoing Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has confirmed that his management is in talks with Lotus over the possibility of a seat at the Enstone team for 2014, as the Brazilian bids to prolong his Formula 1 career.

Last week's confirmation that Massa's eight-season Ferrari career would come to an end after November's season-ending Brazilian GP appears to have left the 11-time grand prix winner short on options for an alternative drive next season.