McLaren are in their third season using Honda power units since ending their two-decade association with Mercedes in 2014.

But it has been a deeply unhappy marriage and McLaren have not recorded a single podium finish since.

Driver Fernando Alonso has been open in his criticism of the Honda engine’s lack of power and reliability and is said to be agitating for a change if he is to sign a new contract.

McLaren deny that the Spaniard has issued a Honda-based ultimatum but have held talks with Renault this weekend about a change.

“We’ve made some progress but we’re not done yet,” McLaren boss Zak Brown said just before the start of the Italian Grand Prix.

The team were hindered yet again by engine problems as Stoffel Vandoorne qualified eighth but was forced to drop down to 18th on the grid because of an engine change.