Robert Kubica says Williams' performance is currently undermined by its FW42's handling difficulties and the inability of its drivers to manhandle the car because of the team's shortage of spare parts.
Both Kubica and team mate George Russell made up the rear in Friday's opening practice sessions, some four seconds off the front-runners' pace and over 1.5s adrift from antepenultimate runner Lando Norris.
Needless to say, the depressed performance highlighted the FW42's lack of speed which was compounded by the need for its drivers to steer clear of the Albert Park's curbs for a lack of spare points in the Williams garage.
"Unfortunately the feeling is compromised a bit with the difficulties we are having, and especially the second free practice, there was quite a lot of compromise with some damages we faced in the car," explained Kubica.
"We tried to fix the parts, but unfortunately we don’t have a lot of spares, so we have to do the maximum from what we have.
"The car, it is difficult to drive, and if you face damages, it is even more difficult. But anyway, I think it’s good to be here.
"I know it sounds strange because normally when you are so slow, it’s difficult to find positives.
"But I think as always you try to do the maximum from what you have, and this will be the target tomorrow."
Russell admitted that racing at the tail end of the field would be as good as it gets for now for the beleaguered British outfit.
"We knew what we were in for at this race and probably the first couple of races, and we just need to focus on building on that, and ensure come mid-season and the end of the year that we have something better," said Russell.
"We’re running at the same sort of level as everybody else really. We’ll have the same sort of improvements from Saturday, but the same as everybody else I think.
"I’d be very shocked if we qualify better than the last row of the grid."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell led the field in a chilly but trouble-free first practice…
Full results from Free Practice 1 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in the United…
Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…
The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…
The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…
Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…