You did report this to MT Control when you got back to your unit didn't you?
The car was brand new! Economy model plus very small engine capacity to save money = crap performance and dangerous in my book.
Was that not a sign that he should modify his driving in order to keep the light off?
No. It was a sign that the box had an intermittent fault that resulted in a startling bright light coming on and off at will. Similar faults have been reported on several occasions where I work.