Honda has indicated it could follow the technological lead of F1’s other ’power unit’ makers.
McLaren’s Japanese works partner has made great strides in 2016, but the Honda unit is now the only one in pitlane not using so-called "pre-combustion chamber" or TJI technology.
Spain’s AS sports newspaper said the technology has been used by Mercedes since 2014, by Ferrari since mid 2015 and by Renault from Monaco this year.
"As an engine company, we are always looking for new technologies and the TJI is one of them," Honda’s F1 chief Yusuke Hasegawa said.
"It is an area we have studied that could be an option for the future, but we have not decided anything yet," he added.