Daniel Ricciardo is fond of Yas Marina Circuit and the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Red Bull Racing driver was one of the star performers in qualifying on Saturday as he took fourth place for the 55-lap race.
"It has been a good track to me in the past and qualifying has always been strong," said the Australian to reporters in the Red Bull hospitality unit on Saturday night.
"I knew it was there. I just needed to put it together."
Of his lap time, which was only 0.7 seconds off pole sitter Valtteri Bottas, he said: "It was always there to be honest. I just found a little bit more on the last run.
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"The first Q3 run was pretty scrappy but we knew why. I think we were just out with the temperatures on the tyres."
But, trying to finish on the podium and achieve a sixth win in his Formula One career is not the only thing on Ricciardo's mind.
He is out of contract at the end of 2018, and as one of the most highly rated drivers on the grid, he is expected to be in much demand, with Ferrari and Mercedes-GP possible destinations, along with staying with his current employers.
“Talking to Red Bull is easier, because I know them already, the other two I guess if they’re interested they’ll need to make the approach," said Ricciardo.
He is heading back to Australia for the winter, and admitted he was unlikely to make a decision on where he would want to go for 2019 after he had seen how everyone was performing in the opening races of next season.
"I think right now it’s not about the offer, it’s about who’s going to have the best car in 2019 I guess," he said. "It’s worth me just seeing how the start of the year goes.
"I don’t want to be too clever and think I’ll have every option possible but I think I’ve got enough time on my side to still sit it out a little bit.”
Ricciardo began his F1 career with Hispania in 2011, and raced for Toro Rosso between 2012-13, before he graduated to Red Bull in 2014 where in his first year he out-performed four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
He remains the only teammate of Vettel's to have so far scored more points in a season then the German.
Ricciardo acknowledged he was aware at the age of 28 that it was vital he got the decision right on where he was driving in 2019.
He nodded in agreement when it was put to him the risks of getting it wrong, as seen by Fernando Alonso, who since winning two world titles in 2005-2006, has not won another as he has failed to win the championship with the likes of McLaren and Ferrari.
“That’s I think another reason why I’m a bit afraid to rush the decision. Because whatever I sign it’s unlikely going to be a one-year – it’s probably a multiple-year deal, I’m assuming,” Ricciardo added.
“That then is probably the peak years of my career, is the next deal I sign, so I want to make sure I maximise that with my driving ability then, so that’s why I’m going to take my time and try to figure it out.”
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix begins at 5pm.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MATCH INFO
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The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
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Read more about the coronavirus
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.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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
Ten10 Cricket League
Venue and schedule Sharjah Cricket Stadium, December 14 to 17
Teams
Maratha Arabians Leading player: Virender Sehwag; Top picks: Mohammed Amir, Imad Wasim; UAE players: Shaiman Anwar, Zahoor Khan
Bengal Lions Leading player: Sarfraz Ahmed; Top picks: Sunil Narine, Mustafizur Rahman; UAE players: Mohammed Naveed, Rameez Shahzad
Kerala Kings Leading player: Eoin Morgan; Top picks: Kieron Pollard, Sohail Tanvir; UAE players: Rohan Mustafa, Imran Haider
Pakhtoons Leading player: Shahid Afridi; Top picks: Fakhar Zaman, Tamim Iqbal; UAE players: Amjad Javed, Saqlain Haider
Punjabi Legends Leading player: Shoaib Malik; Top picks: Hasan Ali, Chris Jordan; UAE players: Ghulam Shabber, Shareef Asadullah
Team Sri Lanka Cricket Will be made up of Colombo players who won island’s domestic limited-overs competition
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
