Lewis Hamilton will start last at Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix and the reigning Formula One world champion was determined to learn from the setback.

After a wet Q1 was red flagged due to Manor's Pascal Wehrlein spinning off, Hamilton failed to post a time with his Mercedes struggling with a power issue.

The double defending champion was forced to watch on as team-mate Nico Rosberg, the championship leader, took pole with Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo joining him on the front row.

Although the 17-point gap to Rosberg in the drivers' standings looks likely to increase after Sunday's race, Hamilton remained philosophical in the aftermath, despite his disappointment.

"As soon as I went out [I knew there was a problem]," he told Sky Sports.

"The best thing I can do is try to learn from it. I'm sure the guys are as gutted as I am. We've got to try and figure out the issue and make sure it never happens again.

"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."