Daniel Ricciardo will have to overcome a low grid spot if he is to score points at the United States Grand Prix.
The McLaren driver was well off the pace during qualifying, being knocked out in Q1 after only managing 17th fastest.
His teammate, Lando Norris, was able to qualify in the top 10.
McLaren is 13 points behind French outfit Alpine in a tight battle for fourth in the constructors' championship with four races remaining.
A frustrated Ricciardo said he lacked confidence in the rear stability of his car during qualifying, which needed to be fixed before the race on Monday morning AEDT.
"I'm not happy with that [qualifying]. We were struggling a lot with the rear and had a few moments through the first sector," he said.
"We clearly just didn't get on top of it. We need to figure out why as it's not giving me what I want."
Ricciardo finished fifth at last year's race in Austin, Texas and said he believed he would have opportunities to climb up the grid and score valuable points for McLaren.
"There will be opportunities to overtake and [I] think we'll hopefully have a bit more to show," he said.
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz will start on pole after a terrific qualifying session.,
The Spaniard collected his first F1 victory at this year's British Grand Prix and will have high hopes of doubling his tally in Texas.
