Max Verstappen backed for Le Mans debut: 'It's just a matter of time'

Sebastien Buemi has backed Max Verstappen to make his Le Mans 24 Hours debut, with the former F1 driver expecting it to be "just a matter of time" until it happens. 

Since losing his spot on the F1 grid at the end of 2011, Buemi has enjoyed significant success in Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship. 

He has claimed victory at the Circuit de la Sarthe on four occasions, and is also a four-time WEC champion and also a Formula E champion. 

In addition to his roles with Envision in FE and Toyota Gazoo in WEC, the Swiss driver supports Red Bull as one of its simulator drivers. 

It means he spends time in Milton Keynes with Verstappen, who is always eager to discuss all forms of motorsport. 

Buemi expects the four-time F1 world champion to make his mark in Le Mans, something which appears to be inevitable.

"I haven't see him for quite a long time, but the last time we saw each other we discussed about everything," Buemi said on the RacingNews365 Podcast. 

"He's passionate. He asked me a lot about Formula E, we spoke about WEC. Obviously, I remember I used to talk about the weight between the drivers being a factor also for him to compete, which has been adjusted with the average of the three drivers. 

"It's not ideal yet. Obviously, if you are heavy, it's still a bit of an issue. But that was something he wanted to be clear and amended before he would take part. 

"But I'm sure, Formula 1 is extremely heavy. It's a heavy schedule. It's very difficult to commit to do Le Mans. But I know it's just a matter of time until he actually does it."

Le Mans 'still special'

Buemi has competed in every Le Mans 24 Hours since his first in 2012, making this weekend's edition of the prestigious event the 36-year-old's 14th appearance. 

It is a staggering achievement, whilst he would also move to third on the all-time Le Mans winners' list should the #8 Toyota car claim victory on Sunday.

When asked if Le Mans remains special for him ahead of his 14th visit, Buemi answered: "Yeah, it is still special. Obviously, having more experience is kind of nice. 

"Having very stable regulations for the last few years with the car, you know exactly what to expect. And you've already been trying lots of things on the car. So we know it well. 

"We know what stuff we learned throughout the season last year, and we tried to implement some of it on the track. So, obviously, it's for everyone the same, but the experience is always helpful. 

"But it remains a special week. It remains a special 10 days. And I always look forward to those 10 days, because they do feel amazing."