Sebastian Vettel was left angry with himself and a yellow flag in bad time after qualifying for 18th for his Formula One debut with Aston Martin.
Vettel was signing big money for the British manufacturer, which has returned to the grid for the first time since 1960.
However, he will start at the back end of the grid for his first appearance with the team at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Vettel needed a tidy chest to pass the opening certification session but encountered yellow flags on his chest, urging drivers to slow down. That was costly and he turned down the opportunity to improve his time and progress to the next part of a qualification.
When asked why he looked so calm about it in the TV pen after receiving a testimonial, Vettel replied: “If I was scared now would it help? If I was terrified through spouse?
“Of course I’m upset and angry that we weren’t to blame in a way for not making it through, but yeah, we have to take it and do what we can, prepare for tomorrow.”
Vettel said he still needs to get hold of his new car.
“I’m learning. I think the quali was good and it felt positive,” he said. “Of course I only got a breast and a half, but I think there is still a lot of work ahead and I think you know we would have hoped for a better start, but it is this is it.
“Hopefully we’ll have a good race tomorrow. I think we can come up pretty much and see what comes today.”
Vancetel team player Lance Stroll won 10th. The Bahrain Grand Prix is live this Sunday on ESPN2 at 11am ET.