Esteban Gutierrez has apologised to Sauber after damaging his C32 in qualifying crash at a wet Albert Park circuit.
Attempting to improve on his 18th place, the Sauber rookie got caught out on the wet lines surrounding the track.
That put Gutierrez into a spin and into the barriers with his car coming to a halt in the middle of the track as the chequered flag fell.
"Unfortunately I made a mistake and feel sorry for the whole team," said the Mexican driver.
"I feel very comfortable with the car and this is something that is a step forward for me.
"Now, of course, I need to avoid this kind of mistake and try to make the most of my potential."
Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn sympathised with her driver who was one of five to connect with the barriers in Q1.
"It was a qualifying in very difficult conditions and a shame Esteban went out, particularly because he had proven before that he was quick on full wet tyres as well as on intermediates," she said.
"He definitely had the potential to make it into Q2, but was unlucky. However, there is still a race tomorrow in which he can make up positions."
