After its troubled start to the season, McLaren has used two ICEs (combustion engine), two MGU-Hs (energy recovery system), and two turbo units after just two races.

Alonso has also used two energy stores and two control electronics.

Each driver is allowed to use only four of each of those elements throughout the season, and will get a grid penalty should he go above that number.

The Spanish driver believes that, given the current rate of problems Honda has had, the penalties will be inevitable.

"Yeah, that's not going well," Alonso said after Friday practice for the Chinese Grand Prix.

"We are not following the normal order.

"We are ready. We know that in a few races we are going to begin starting from the back and get penalties. But these are tests. We are trying to learn and find solutions.

"Yes, we are going to be penalised. I don't know when, but we will."