Helmut Marko provided an update on the development of Red Bull Powertrains' 2026 engine, saying progress is "clearly visible" while personnel from partner Ford is now working on site at Milton Keynes.
Red Bull confirmed earlier this year that RBPT will receive input directly from Ford and assist the former with battery and hybrid technology for its future generation power unit.
Marko says RBPT is now in the thick of the development of its 2026 engine at its new dedicated unit located on its Milton Keynes campus.
Relying on its own resources and on Ford rather than on a partnership with an existing OEM F1 manufacturer is not without risk, but Marko is confident that Red Bull now has the in-house expertise to succeed in its endeavor.
"We are aware of that, but that is why we rely on many experienced people and assume that this will be fine," the Austrian told website Formel 1.
"The current feedback on the internal combustion engine makes us feel good and I don't expect us to be at a disadvantage. The reliability will also be good.
"In addition, with Ford we have a partner who, when it comes to the electric part of the engine, is very large and if they do not have something in-house, they do look together with young companies or startups.
"In terms of batteries, we can certainly use some know-how: this is a very important addition for us and with this we think we will be competitive."
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Marko said that RBPT's engine development program is running on schedule while the company continues its recruitment drive. As for Ford, the US manufacturer now has a presence on site at Milton Keynes.
"They are on campus with us and there are already six test benches that have been running since last year," Marko explained.
"More than one engine is already ready and the improvement is clearly visible. That's how you should develop an engine.
"We are exactly on schedule and the recruitment of staff is going well. We are not yet at our optimal staff level, but that does not make much difference.
"Of course, a new competitor has also emerged [Audi], which has only made us hungrier to win."
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