Sebastian Vettel cut a frustrated figure after another qualifying disaster meant he will start the British Grand Prix from close to the back of the grid.
Aston Martin have struggled for performance all season, which has been frustrating for the German. As a four-time world champion and winner of 53 races in Formula 1, Vettel is not used to being so uncompetitive on a Grand Prix weekend.
But that is the reality for him at the moment, as he faces an uphill battle to score any points on his birthday. Vettel, who turns 35 today, will start the race at Silverstone in 18th – giving him a similar task to the one he faced two weeks ago in Montreal after a similarly disappointing Saturday performance for him and team-mate Lance Stroll.
Despite bringing a new car upgrade for this race, Aston Martin suffered from a lack of pace as the rain pounded the Silverstone track during qualifying. "We just didn't seem to be quick enough," said Vettel.
"We lost a lot of time. And I guess everywhere around the lap, I mean, balance-wise, I had a lot understeer in the car, and was waiting for the car to rotate.
"But I don't think that's the main issue. For some reason, we weren't able to generate the grip that we should have had, I guess. And then you don't rotate the car, and then your outlook on traction isn't great. So everything sort of happens delayed. And one thing adds to another, so not great."
Because of the wet weather and limited running time in free practice, the German went on to say that it is too early to make a judgement on Aston Martin's latest car upgrade. "I think it's hard to say because this morning I think the car felt okay in terms of balance," he added.
"But I think Silverstone is a very honest track in terms of where you are, and we will see on Sunday how the pace is in the race. I don't think we can yet judge the updates, but for sure, it hasn't been a bolt-on and massive step straightaway. So still some stuff that we need to understand."
