Eric Boullier admits he was "disappointed" with the FIA's decision to ban the active ride height system that Lotus had been working on for this year's campaign.
Lotus believed they had found that something extra when they came up with the system, which maintains the ride height of the car under braking.
The concept was reportedly copied by Ferrari while other teams revealed they were looking into it.
But before the idea truly got off the ground the FIA opted to ban the system as they deemed it illegal.
"I have to say it is very disappointing," Boullier told Autosport.
"We spent a lot of time and energy, plus money as well, to build a group that is bringing innovation and work into the system. It takes time to put this suspension in place, and took us a couple of years.
"Obviously we are not stupid, every time we go through the process, we go to the FIA, and the FIA is backing us up. Then, when you start to use it, to see it banned with no discussion is always frustrating. We have to respect the rule, but it is frustrating."
But while it may be frustrating, technical director James Allison denied there was anything sinister behind the decision.
"Honestly I think it was just part of the cut-and-thrust of F1 development," he told Autosport. "It is not without precedent, is it?
"There are lots and lots of times where we have been the beneficiary of that type of decision and other times when it has gone against us. But it is part of F1 that you try to come up with ideas that are novel interpretations.
"Charlie (Whiting) can give you an opinion, but then he can hear other arguments and he can then be swung by those. That is just a genuine part of the sport."
