Max Verstappen defended after continued F1 rules criticism

Sebastien Buemi has jumped to the defence of Max Verstappen following his continued criticism of Formula 1's new power unit regulations, insisting he "can't disagree".

Buemi, who works for Red Bull as a simulator driver alongside his roles in Formula E and the WEC, has been with the team for over two decades, having initially joined as a junior driver.

The Swiss driver was involved in the development of Red Bull's RB22 last year, its first car since becoming its own power unit supplier.

Red Bull has endured a mixed start to the season, with a positive result in Melbourne followed by a shocking performance in Shanghai.

Technical issues have hampered Verstappen in both rounds. He crashed in the season opener due to a rear axle issue, while an ERS coolant failure forced him to retire from the Chinese Grand Prix.

Verstappen is not enjoying F1's new rules and has repeatedly criticised them, previously calling them "anti-racing" and "like Formula E on steroids".

Given the four-time champion's success in F1, Buemi insists that Verstappen's opinion is crucial for the sport.

Asked if he agrees with Verstappen's criticism, Buemi exclusively told RacingNews365: "I think he's achieved more than enough to be able to give his opinion, and I think his opinion is extremely important.

"[With the rules], that's the way it is now, and we're just going to try to help the situation as much as we can and get him to have a great car. 

"But ultimately, I can't disagree — I agree with what he says. I've been part of Formula E for a long time, and there are things that are quite similar, stuff that, in my opinion, is better, and some stuff that may be a bit worse. 

"But ultimately, like he said, he did say he would drive the car the best he can, and that's it — whether it's a trolley or a car. You give your maximum, and that's it."