Sauber are rumoured to have not renewed their Ferrari engine deal for next year, according to reports.
The Swiss team, who are preparing to enter their 25th season in the sport, will use one-year-old power units for the 2017 season.
Sauber have been supplied Ferrari engines over two separate periods, first from 1997 to 2005 and 2010 to present after a brief span with BMW.
With Honda admitting their intention to supply a second team, as well as McLaren, in the near future, it is predicted Sauber are likely to approach the Japanese company to secure a deal from 2018 onwards.
According to Auto Motor Und Sport, Honda Racing boss Yusuke Hasegawa announced in December Honda were planning on expanding their factory in Milton Keynes in preparation to serve two teams in the coming years.
However, Hasegawa was adamant a deal would have to be signed by at least the Monaco Grand Prix in May.
Talks are already believed to be underway between both parties; Sauber are eager to develop a more competitive package after a difficult few years for the Hinwil-based outfit.
Last year the team managed to find backing mid-season after struggling financially and, crucially, pipped Manor to 10th in the Constructors’ championship, thus meaning they will be handed FIA prize money.
Sauber recently announced the capture of the highly-rated German Pascal Wehrlein, Marcus Ericsson stays put for a third successive campaign.
