Lewis Hamilton during the US GP first practice. Pic/AFP

To ease the burden, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has affording both marques dispensation to miss the race in Texas and next weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.

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With just 18 cars now due to start Sunday's race, it represents the smallest F1 field since the 2005 Monaco Grand Prix. There remains a drivers' title to be won, however, with no surprises come the culmination of the opening 90-minute session at a track that has become a firm favourite with all the drivers.

On the back of a four-race winning run to open up a 17-point cushion to Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg with three grands prix remaining, Hamilton comfortably edged FP1.

The 29-year-old posted a lap of one minute 39.941seconds, with Rosberg 0.292secs adrift, followed closely at least by Jenson Button.