The 2023 Formula One season comes to a grand conclusion this weekend in Abu Dhabi. And even though Max Verstappen and Red Bull have already wrapped up the drivers' and constructors' championship, there is still a lot to look forward to.
Verstappen has utterly dominated 2023 with 18 wins and one more would make him the first driver to register 19 victories in a season, which would also catapult him to third on the all-time list of race winners.
Red Bull, too, have sealed the constructor's title but there is an intriguing battle brewing below them. There is a significant incentive - $30 million in prize money - for third-placed Ferrari to beat Mercedes to the runners-up spot in the constructors' championship, with just four points separating the two.
Ferrari are still fuming over Carlos Sainz's 10-place grid penalty at the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix – a result of the extensive damage to his car caused by a loose manhole cover on the track. So they will be extra motivated this weekend.
The 2021 season concluded in extraordinary circumstances as Verstappen defeated Lewis Hamilton to the title after overtaking the Briton on the final lap following a controversial safety car restart in the final moments of the race. Will we get to see similar drama this time at the Yas Marina Circuit?
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 schedule
Friday, November 24
First practice - 1.30pm to 2.30pm (UAE time); Second practice - 5pm to 6pm
Saturday, November 25
Third practice - 2.30pm to 3.30pm; Qualifying 6pm to 7pm
Sunday, November 26
Race from 5pm
Other races
Friday
Formula 2 qualifying - 3pm to 3.30pm
Saturday
F4 UAE first race - 11.50am to 12.25pm
F2 sprint race - 4.20pm to 5.10pm
Sunday
F4 UAE second race - 11.40am to 12.15pm
F2 feature race - 1.15pm to 2.20pm
F1 concerts
Friday - Chris Brown (Etihad Park); Saturday - Shania Twain (Etihad Park); Sunday - Foo Fighters (Etihad Park).
Access to concerts is exclusive to grand prix ticket holders. Tickets are available at abudhabigp.com
How to watch Abu Dhabi GP in the UAE
Formula One fans can watch the action on MBC’s streaming platform www.shahid.net under the sports package of Shahid VIP.
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Results
Stage 7:
1. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal - 3:18:29
2. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep - same time
3. Phil Bauhaus (GER) Bahrain Victorious
4. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep
5. Cees Bol (NED) Team DSM
General Classification:
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - 24:00:28
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers - 0:00:35
3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep - 0:01:02
4. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:01:42
5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo - 0:01:45
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UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.