Daniel Ricciardo will start the Saudia Arabia Grand Prix from 15th, after receiving a three-place grid penalty following qualifying.
Ricciardo was 12th fastest during qualifying in Jeddah, missing out on qualifying session three for the second consecutive week.
However, the Australian was penalised by the stewards for impeding the Alpine of Esteban Ocon while the Frenchman was on a flying lap.
After an appalling start to the season in Bahrain, both McLaren drivers looked slightly more competitive in Saudi Arabia.
Ricciardo's teammate Lando Norris qualified 11th, an improvement on last week but again missing out on the third qualifying session.
The Australian said a good race strategy from the McLaren pit wall could push the British team into the top-10.
"We can be more positive with this result as a team," he said.
"A week ago we weren't in this competitive position, fighting for Q3.
"I think it's been a smoother weekend for us, so hopefully tomorrow we can execute a good strategy and try to get into the top 10."
Both McLaren drivers failed to score any point in the opening race of the season and will be desperate to open their account on Monday morning Australian time.
Hamilton starts 16th after qualifying shocker
Ricciardo will start the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix alongside the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton, who had a disastrous qualifying around the streets of Jeddah.
Hamilton was knocked out of Q1 for the first time since the 2017 Brazilian Grand Prix, only managing 16th fastest.
The seven-time champion said his team were trying to remain upbeat as they face a tough battle in the race.
"I know everyone in the team is working as hard as they can and trying to stay positive," he told the media.
"I'll try my best tomorrow and see what we can do."
