- Sauber
Lotus drive had 'risk' - Hulkenberg
Nico Hulkenberg says he turned down the chance to drive for Lotus in the final two races of the season due to "some risk" leaving Sauber.
With Kimi Raikkonen ruled out for the rest of the season with a back injury, Hulkenberg was asked by Lotus to replace him but turned down the offer. Heikki Kovalainen will now drive in Austin and Brazil, and Hulkenberg said that, while it was attractive in the short-term, he had to think of his hopes for next year.
"Of course it is attractive and sounds attractive from the outside, but on the other hand it was only for the last two races which brings some risk with it," Hulkenberg said. "Also after that I think you have to see the bigger picture beyond after two races what can happen there and that is why we came up with this decision."
With Sauber remaining an option for Hulkenberg in 2014 he admitted he would have taken the drive if he was joining Lotus next year.
"I think had that been the case that would have been a big change in the whole plan, for sure."
Asked what the risks were that he was concerned about, Hulkenberg replied: "Stepping in to a new car which you don't know.
"If I had stepped in there I don't think people would have expected me to beat Romain right away; he seems to be fairly comfortable in the car now and in the team. He's delivering very good results now, from that point of view."
Hulkenberg also confirmed he had been to Lotus for talks about joining the team, but said there was more substance to it than just the final two grands prix.
"I went there to see Eric [Boullier], speak face-to-face about these two races and beyond that as well because next year is important as well. So that is why I went there, to see each other and speak face-to-face."
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