Ford Motorsport global director Mark Rushbrook has insisted that any deficit of Red Bull's engine to its competition will be "minimal," should it not be the quickest out of the blocks in 2026.
Under F1's new power unit regulations, Red Bull has taken on the mammoth task of becoming an engine manufacturer for the first time in its history.
The Austrian outfit will power both itself and sister team Racing Bulls, rather than relying on an established manufacturer like Honda.
Ford is on hand to provide technical support for what is the biggest challenge the Milton Keynes-based team has ever faced.
Given the difficulty and experience required to develop a race-winning F1 engine, Red Bull has been tipped for a tricky first campaign under the new regulations.
Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar could initially have an uncompetitive package, with Red Bull chief engineer Paul Monaghan previously hinting that its internal combustion engine may be slightly behind its rivals.
The 2026 engines will feature a 50/50 split between electrical power and internal combustion, leaving room for performance gains in other areas.
Addressing Red Bull's internal combustion engine potentially being weaker than its rivals, Rushbrook told Motorsport.com: "It would be minimal then, I think.
"Because yes, other manufacturers have years of experience, but with the rules for 2026 it's just a little bit different.
"And, of course, we have also brought together a lot of experienced people from different programs.
"So even if we are a little bit behind with the internal combustion engine, I think it won't be much and we can make up for it in all other areas."
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