Charles Leclerc’s German Grand Prix hopes came crashing to a halt on the final turn of lap 29.
The Ferrari driver was sitting second, only behind Lewis Hamilton, when he lost control of the car on the rain-soaked track.
The 21-year-old was well placed to mount a race-winning charge but was left stranded after his car became lodged in the stones that surround the Hockenheimring.
Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle bemoaned the mistake that cost the driver precious points, and said: “Just as he was staring at a victory opportunity.”
The Monacan put his hands on his helmet after his realised that his race was over and screamed on the team radio, clearly frustrated with himself for his mistake.
A long beep covered up the drivers’ profanity before a simple shout of: “NO!”
The same corner almost ruled race leader Hamilton out just a lap later, but the Mercedes champ managed to regain control of his car before having his damaged front wing replaced.
The Englishman received a five-second penalty for a bollard infringement as he entered the pits and Brundle warned him that it could cost him victory.
“That could be the difference between Lewis Hamilton winning and losing this race,” he said.
Before the race had begun Leclerc was confident of battling Hamilton for a surprise victory, despite Ferrari’s qualifying disaster.
“I feel for the whole team,” he wrote on Instagram.
“But the points are scored on a Sunday and I will give absolutely everything to make everyone smile again tomorrow. It is going to be a fun race.”