Forced to go to the pits to change tires, Hamilton was passed by Sebastien Vettel and Timo Glock -- leaving him in sixth position and potentially costing him the world title.

CNN: Hamilton makes history after Brazil thriller

Nico Rosberg completed a disappointing afternoon for Williams as he failed to take part in the second session, which saw the Toro Rosso duo of Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastian Vettel also eliminated along with Red Bull veteran David Coulthard and Honda's Jenson Button.

CNN: Hamilton heads McLaren 1-2 in Hungary qualifying

There is always talk of Mark Webber retiring and either of the two Toro Rosso drivers could make worthy contenders for the "Sebastian Vettel understudy" role -- as could Red Bull reserve driver Sebastien Buemi.

CNN: Massa under more scrutiny in Montreal