F1 Weekly Review: Verstappen's Nürburgring Test, Piastri's Stance, and Hamilton's 'Alien' Claim Highlight Top Stories

Max Verstappen's Nürburgring Test & Other Top F1 Stories Unpacked\n\nWhy it matters: This week's F1 review brings to light diverse narratives impacting the sport, from driver development and team order controversies to unique car issues and future career shifts, offering key insights into the ongoing season and beyond.\n\nThe details:\n\n* Verstappen's Nürburgring Driving Test: Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen underwent a driving test at the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife. His instructor, Andreas Gülden, playfully recounted the experience, noting Verstappen's exceptional skill while humorously highlighting his own vehicle's power advantage.\n* Piastri Defiant on McLaren Team Orders: Oscar Piastri agreed to follow McLaren's team instructions, a decision that resulted in a six-point swing to rival Lando Norris in the championship. Despite the immediate impact, Piastri remained firm in his stance regarding the team's directive.\n* Key Factor in Verstappen's Red Bull Future: In an exclusive interview, Jonathan Wheatley, former Red Bull sporting director and current Stake team principal, revealed a critical factor influencing Max Verstappen's long-term future with the Red Bull team.\n* Hamilton's 'Alien' Claim for Ferrari Issues: Lewis Hamilton offered an unusual explanation for his ongoing problems with the Ferrari car, attributing the struggles to an