Lewis Hamilton reacts to 'disappointing' disqualification from F1 US Grand Prix as controversy strikes race

However, nearly four hours after the race, F1 chiefs decided to disqualify the Stevenage-born racer for running an illegal floor.

Ferrari star Charles Leclerc also faced the same punishment for the same offence.

​And Hamilton has now reacted to the dramatic development after a post-race inspection found his plank had worn too much during the race.

"It is of course disappointing to be disqualified post-race," said the 38-year-old.

"But that doesn't take away from the progress we've made this weekend."

In the wake of Hamilton's disqualification, McLaren's Lando Norris was promoted to second - with Ferrari star Carlos Sainz upped to third.

Four cars had been examined after the race at random - and the Brit's luck was unfortunately out.

Hamilton had previously been fitted with a new floor in an upgrade package that saw him deliver arguably his best performance of the season.

Jo Bauer, the FIA’s technical delegate, referred the potential transgressions to the stewards at the Circuit of Americas as they sought to get to the bottom of the matter.

And though Mercedes trio Ron Meadows, Andrew Shovlin and Richard Lane attempted to fight their cause, the decision was ultimately made to disqualify Hamilton.

A statement then read: "Car 44 is disqualified from the race (Article 12.4.1.m of the FIA International Sporting Code).

"The other competitors move up in the classification."

The statement added: "During the hearing the team acknowledged that the measurement performed by the FIA technical team was correct and stated that the high wear on the skid pads was probably a result of the unique combination of the bumpy track and the sprint race schedule that minimised the time to set up and check the car before the race.

"The stewards note that the onus is on the competitor to ensure the car is in compliance with the regulations at all times during an event.

"In this particular case, the rear skid in the area defined in the technical delegate’s report was outside of the thresholds outlined in Article 3.5.9 e) of the FIA Formula One technical regulations, which includes a tolerance for wear.

"Therefore, the standard penalty for a breach of the technical regulations is imposed."

While Hamilton was disappointed, the seven-time Formula One champion insisted there were positives to take.

"It was tough racing those around me as they were so quick, but we can be happy with many things.

"I feel positive as we're moving forward, even if reflecting on it we could have possibly won today."

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff also addressed the decision, admitting they 'got it wrong'.

"Set-up choices on a sprint weekend are always a challenge with just one hour of free practice - and even more so at a bumpy circuit like COTA and running a new package," he explained.

"In the end, all of that doesn't matter; others got it right where we got it wrong and there's no wiggle room in the rules.

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"We need to take it on the chin, do the learning, and come back stronger next weekend."

Hamilton now has no chance of finishing second in the F1 standings for the season.

With Sergio Perez moving up to fourth, the Mexican has now consolidated second - boasting a 39-point lead over Hamilton.