Abu Dhabi F1: Secret talks that could spark a half a billion dollar merry go round


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THE DEALS

Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m

Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m

Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m

Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m

Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m

TOTAL $485m

Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari? Max Verstappen at Mercedes?

Abu Dhabi will host a string of secret talks over the future of Formula 1’s leading racers that will surely spell seismic change.

In a rare collision of fortunes, all of the sport’s key drivers, bar Charles Leclerc, are out of contract in a year’s time, as they eye dramatic new horizons with the ambitious 2021 F1 rules reboot.

That’s an eye-watering kaleidoscope of multi-year deals that could stack up to around half a billion dollars (Dh 1.83 billlion).

The talks could be rushed discussions in passing in corridors, VIP lounges, runways or private jets, detailed talks in restaurants, late night hotel assignations or benign-looking paddock chats as the giant ball of clay that makes up the sport’s leading players is kneaded and mashed, pressured and persuaded for the next six months to find its final shape for 2021 somewhere after next summer.

Hamilton has admitted he would like to drive for Maranello one day. It was one of the key ambitions that eluded his idol Ayrton Senna. Aged 34 this could be his last chance.

By then there is every chance he will be a seven-time champion and would he really step away from Brackley at such a significant crossroads?

Some say he is waiting, too, on highly-rated boss Toto Wolff to reject a rumoured offer to become F1 CEO but The National understands Ferrari’s veto is unlikely to allow that to happen.

Either way, his negotiating team are sure to weaponise Hamilton’s situation to push his astronomical salary past $55m.

But would Maranello even consider taking a driver steeped in so much Mercedes folklore?

Bernie Ecclestone, for one, thinks not: “If Ferrari had the choice of Lewis or Max I think they would go for Max like they would Leclerc.

“With Sebastian Vettel or Lewis they will only get a couple of years but with the younger two they might get 10 years.

“I’m not sure Max isn’t the best guy around at the moment, Lewis included.”

Verstappen, already publicly saying he is in no rush to sign for anyone as he tries to read where the balance of power – technologically – will lie. He, more than Hamilton, probably holds the key.

Red Bull remain key players with design genius Adrian Newey in their ranks and a commitment from Honda into 2021 to stack alongside an impressive recent victory in Brazil.

Some see Sebastian Vettel as a busted flush: after a poor season his salary demands no longer justified by his speed (or lack of it).

The young Dutch reincarnation of Giles Villeneuve is surely the answer to their looming vacancy.

Perhaps a Verstappen and Leclerc partnership is the golden ticket?

Or would Mercedes consider teaming Verstappen early with Hamilton as a segue way into a post-Hamilton world?

What a mouth-water proposition for F1 fans.

The lurking dark horse is Renault racer Ricciardo, every inch a match for Verstappen, and out of contract at Renault in time to be considered by Ferrari but perhaps a better fit for the Silver Arrows.

If Renault comes of age could he lead the French car giant  with bottomless pockets to another F1 title by staying just where he is ?

Then again, in the age old wisdom of commentating legend Murray Walker, it’s important to remember: “This is F1, anything could happen and probably will do.”

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MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

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Despacito's dominance in numbers

Released: 2017

Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon

Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube

Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification

Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.

Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards

TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:

- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools

- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say

- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance

- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs

- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills

- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month

- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues

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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.

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Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

THE DEALS

Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m

Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m

Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m

Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m

Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m

TOTAL $485m