diff --git a/yt_dlp/downloader/external.py b/yt_dlp/downloader/external.py
index 2f127c0f87..2c62f1dd38 100644
--- a/yt_dlp/downloader/external.py
+++ b/yt_dlp/downloader/external.py
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ class CurlFD(ExternalFD):
             return False
 
         cls.exe = path
-        cls._curl_version = version_tuple(parts[1])
+        cls._curl_version = version_tuple(parts[1], lenient=True)
         return path
 
     def _make_cmd(self, tmpfilename, info_dict):