Lewis Hamilton will start from the back of the grid at the Chinese GP after his five-place penalty was compounded by Mercedes power unit problems in qualifying.
The world champion already knew he would start no higher than sixth in Sunday's race after damage to the gearbox in his W07 meant it have to be changed before it had completed the mandatory six races.
However, his challenge for raceday increased when problems with his car's MGU-H meant he was unable to set a qualifying time. Nico Rosberg, Hamilton's championship-leading team-mate, went on to secure pole.
Mercedes will now change Hamilton's power unit for the race, his second system of the season.
"As soon as I went out [I knew there was a problem]," Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.
"Of course it's unfortunate, but these things are sent to try us and the best thing I can do is to try and learn from it.
"I'm sure the guys are just as gutted as I am but we win and we lose together, so it's really a case of trying to figure out the issue and make sure that it doesn't happen again to either of our cars."
Hamilton's attempts to win a British-record fourth world title had already begun in stuttering fashion after poor starts from pole in each of the first two races meant Rosberg won on both occasions.
The 31-year-old last started a race from the back of the grid in Hungary two years ago, but raced back to finish in the final podium berth.
Asked if can repeat the result in China, Hamilton said: "You can overtake here. Tyres don't last as well, so it's perhaps not as simple as it was in that race. But, of course, I'll give it everything I've got to try and get up. It isn't over until it's over."
Rosberg is now in the prime position to increase his 17-point championship advantage over his Mercedes team-mate but Hamilton is taking heart from the pace of his W07.
"It is quick," he said. "Hopefully they get the issue fixed and we can actually have a race tomorrow."
Watch the Chinese GP on Sunday - LIVE ONLY on Sky Sports F1. The race starts at 7am, with build-up underway from 5.30am. Or watch without a contract for £6.99 on NOW TV.