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Connect the World
Becky Speaks To F1 Legend Jackie Stewart; Photographer Catches The Action With 104-Year-Old Camera; A Tour Of Connect The World's Yacht That We're Boarding. Aired 10:30-11:30a ET
Aired November 26, 2017 - 10:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:30:00] BECKY ANDERSON, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome to the Yas Marina Circuit. Welcome aboard quite literally to our breathtaking, spectacular
extravaganza of the world's most fantastic, most glamorous showcase of skill and athletics. We're talking formula one. We're on the biggest
yacht at the most expensive track on the very last stop of what was an amazing, rule-breaking season. This is the first ever new show from an F1
circuit making for a very, very special CONNECT THE WORLD for you. And it's all with my colleague, Amanda Davies, the face of F1 on CNN, Host of
the Circuit and all things sports too. Amanda?
AMANDA DAVIES, CNN WORLD SPORT CORRESPONDENT: Hi Becky. Yes, welcome down here to the paddock. The fireworks have gone off. The checkered flag has
fallen on race number 20 of what has been as you said a fantastic formula one season. The paddock is as you would expect here in Abu Dhabi after the
long season it's bustling with activity. Here we are outside the Mercedes Motor Home. This is where the celebrities are heading, hoping to catch a
word with the drivers. The Champion Lewis Hamilton had said he wanted to go out on a high today having clinched the title two races ago in Mexico.
His teammate Valtteri Bottas had other ideas but there was still plenty of Mercedes celebrations on the podium. A big pat on the back from Valtteri
to Lewis and vice versa so to from Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton nearest rival this season. He said ultimately he felt Lewis had been just too
good. And I have been lucky enough to be here in the paddock at a number of races this season. And you have to say, Becky, that has been the
overriding feeling. This is a title that Lewis deserved to win, his fourth world title, particularly the way he came back from the disappointment here
in Abu Dhabi last year. You and I were both here. He was beaten by his teammate Nico Rosberg to the title. And I was fortunate to sit down with
Lewis to talk about how he feels he did it this season.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DAVIES: Congratulations.
LEWIS HAMILTON, FORMULA ONE RACE DRIVER: Thank you.
DAVIES: As the number of titles increases do the celebrations get bigger or smaller?
HAMILTON: Bigger. Definitely bigger. It's crazy to think that I have four world titles now.
DAVIES: Is it going to change how you walk around the paddock? Would it be a little extra strut, do you think?.
HAMILTON: I don't think so. l think I've always had a good strut so. No, I don't think so. When I, you know, recently have noticed it's really come
to light, a lot of respect that I perceive from certain drivers and that's something I really, really appreciate. Because naturally, you want to be
respected between your peers and because I hold that respect, maybe I don't talk about it too much but I have that respect for other people out of the
race but to hear that reflected and reciprocated, that's a great feeling.
DAVIES: How much do the numbers and the records mean to you?
HAMILTON: I don't even know what records I have (INAUDIBLE) if you ask me, I can tell you apart from maybe pole positions. So it's not ever been
something I've set out. It's not like, every year, I want to get that record. That's what I'm going for. Honestly, as a kid, I sort of --
(INAUDIBLE) I wanted to do something similar. I always thought getting three -- getting to formula one firstly and then getting a championship. I
want to get three (INAUDIBLE). I want to reach his poles maybe. But -- and then it was like, oh, his wins. Once I reached those, it's like, now
what? Because I wasn't looking at any other driver. So now I just kind of like seeing how far I can take it. And I find a team like Ferrari, it's
not an easy challenge.
DAVIES: You seem to have enjoyed it, though.
HAMILTON: It's been, yes, I think every single person, the team has enjoyed more than I've ever done in years. Because I think you know, the
engineers, they are looking across the garage and I'm like, he's doing what I'm doing but I want to prove that I'm better than him. And that's the
same for everyone in the team. They probably -- they know as their polar opposite in the other team and they want to prove their worth, their value,
their ability. And I think when you don't have that team opposite and it's just within the -- it's hard to, I don't know, have that pushing those
limits.
[10:35:27] DAVIES: So what do you think was the difference between you and Sebastian this season?
HAMILTON: I think mentally was -- I think mental side of things was key to this year. I think that's really is the case for a lot of top athletes
that are competing. When you watch tennis and you see one slightly fumble, even if it's the smallest thing, the other person may not have had that
stumble so I think that's really -- and we're talking about small percentages you know. But I think that's really, for me, being, I think,
the biggest difference this year between us.
DAVIES: Anything, in particular, you took from Nico and how you saw him go about winning the title last year?
HAMILTON: No, zero. I honestly don't generally from the all my teammates that I've raced with, I don't generally take much from them. l say
probably the only thing -- the teammate that I've ever really learned something from would be Fernando. And that was in my first year of Formula
One. Someone who is experienced in -- it's like -- you know, if you were to come into the team and you're an aerodynamicist. You know, but I mean,
you go and sit with someone who has been in that team for years. So they understand -- they know the format of the team. They understand -- you
know, so you learn along that. So I think when I got to Formula One, I was playing catch-up. Fernando has all these years of experience. He's going
to come with all that knowledge, how do I catch up quick? And -- because I've got the ability to compete with him but I don't have the knowledge or
don't have the experience. So that's really all that was then. I've stated after that, I was able to -- I know I had the experience so I never
felt that I was taking anything from another driver. I just was trying to enhance my -- and unlock my own abilities.
DAVIES: So is there any doubts as to whether or not you're be signing a new contract with Mercedes?
HAMILTON: No, I don't have any doubts. I just have to be very, very good at negotiating. That's what my next challenge is. The negotiator I am
today is better than the negotiator I was before.
DAVIES: What more secrets are you going to (INAUDIBLE)
HAMILTON: I don't know.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
DAVIES: All right. Lewis Hamilton there. That was his view. What is the view of the -- one of his bosses? I'm pleased to say I'm joined by
Mercedes Non-Executive Chairman, a three-time World Champion Niki Lauda. Great to see you as ever.
NIKI LAUDA, NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, MERCEDEZ: Thank you.
DAVIES: Lewis Hamilton says it was the mental aspect of things that gave him the advantage over Sebastian this season. Do you agree?
LAUDA: Mentally and everything else. He drove this year outstanding. He was the best in this season by far. Mentally driving speed, everything he
did right except one little mistake in Sao Paulo practice. But Lewis was at the top because the Mercedes car was not as quick as in the fast.
Ferrari was better sometimes and Lewis really won the championship for us.
DAVIES: I think that's the thing, isn't it? He was so dominant in the second half of the season. It's actually easy to gloss over the fact that
at the time, your car didn't necessarily do him any favors.
LAUDA: Correct. The car was okay but not the best, and he made all up for that. So he really -- we all have to thank him and our team because we
developed the car very. We tried to beat them with (INAUDIBLE), with the material performance and in the end we did, thank God.
DAVIES: Now, you were the person who was pretty instrumental in getting Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes. What is he like to work with?
LAUDA: Very easy. No problem. I have a very good relationship with him. We looked in each other's eyes, speak the same language. I never had a
problem with him, (INAUDIBLE) very good.
DAVIES: People talk about how he's changed, though, this year. What do you see he has done differently?
LAUDA: He is going quicker. So the most important if you want to be three, four, five-time world champion, you always have to be better. So it
doesn't mean when last year world champion you wait and then everything comes along. He's one of these guys who can always think of going quicker.
And he did that in a perfect way this year. And for sure, he'll do the same thing next year. This really makes world champions how do you say,
performance?
DAVIES: You said four, five-time world champion. How many more do you think he can win?
LAUDA: Well, if he motivates himself and keeps on going, his target is to beat Schumacher with seven championships. So I'm very happy if this is his
target because he can do it with a Mercedes car.
DAVIES: Absolutely. Niki thanks ever -- as ever, for your time. Lewis, of course, overtook Niki this season claiming that fourth world title.
He's now got his sight set on number five and Juan Manuel Fangio. And Becky, given what we' seen in the last races, it will be difficult to bet
against him, you think?
[10:40:10] ANDERSON: Absolutely not. It's amazing who you find down in the paddock and we'll be back with you for more a little later in the show.
So Lewis Hamilton then, smashing the British driver's record that stood, let me tell you, for 40 years. That record was held by Sir Jackie Stewart.
It was his three-time world champion master of going faster. And I'm delighted to say that on the boat tonight, Sir Jackie joins us now. Any
regrets in handing over that mantle?
JACKIE STEWART, RACING DRIVER: No, not at all. I mean, I had it for 44 years. I always forgot I had it. No, no, he did a great job and he
justifies having the title.
ANDERSON: So how does he stack up as a driver?
STEWART: Oh, he's -- right now, I think he is the best driver on the grid. Sebastian Vettel is very good. Alonso is very good. You've to have the
car to do it though. The combination currently of Lewis Hamilton and Bottas for that matter and the Mercedes Benz is pretty unbeatable. So
they've both driven pretty well but Lewis totally justifies his world championship this year. He's done very well.
ANDERSON: How would you reflect then Sir Jackie on this season? This is the final night. It's always fantastic to be here in Abu Dhabi on a
beautiful yacht tonight. How would you reflect on the season? It's not always like this I guess, right?
STEWART: I don't know. I think it is. I mean, Formula One Grand Prix racing is colorful, glamorous and exciting and it's jet-set and it's got
usually if you're in Monaco or in Abu Dhabi, you're on beautiful yachts with beautiful people.
ANDERSON: So charming.
STEWART: It's a very -- it's a very exciting world. And of course, it goes to 20 different countries around the world and this is the last race
of the season so there's a lot of relaxed people tonight.
ANDERSON: We've got a couple of shots of you back in the day. The 1970s. I think one of them is from back in Monaco. Your wife, I think, cutting
your hair at the time. Just take me back. How have things changed? Clearly, the technology has changed. Clearly, the entertainment that's
provided in and around the track has changed. Has the actual race changed?
STEWART: You know, it's the same but different. The animals are the same. Helen, my wife there, cutting my hair. In those days, I had very long
hair, very long sideburns. That was the swinging '60s and '70s. So George Harrison would be coming to Grand Prix. Rod Stewart would be coming, the
Rolling Stones would be coming. I think it was a more exciting time and almost, I can't say more glamorous but you know, Elizabeth Taylor would
come to Monte Carlo, Frank Sinatra went there, all these big names and that, and of course, today, we have great football players this weekend
here and great actors as well. So it's the same but different.
ANDERSON: Well, thank you for joining us here. You're going to stay with men on this Saluzi from the marina here at Yas in Abu Dhabi. We are going
to take a short break. Stick with me. We're going to get you back to the paddock but best bits of the season is what you'll get. And we will speak
to F1's new owner taking this break back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:45:00] ANDERSON: A very warm welcome back to the Saluzi on the Yas Marina. We're in Abu Dhabi and have just witnessed the end of the Formula
One season. And a season at its best, not only on the track but virtually, too. The Emirates has been hosting this year. The F1 Esports Word
Championship. The first ever. More than 60,000 virtual racers signing up for the tournament here at Yas Marina. The inaugural winner, an 18-year-
old kitchen manager from Reading, near London. I'm delighted to say he joins myself and Sir Jackie Stewart here on the boat. Your first time away
from home.
BRENDON LEIGH, F1 ESPORTS WORLD CHAMPION: Yes, this is my first time ever abroad. (INAUDIBLE) and I come away for the championship in my first ever
time abroad is just unreal to me.
ANDERSON: Unbelievable. Tell me. Tell us about Esports. When did you get into it?
LEIGH: I started competitive gaming in 2014. Ever since then I've been trying to master my craft to get ready when a big event to come up like
this.
ANDERSON: Do you want to be driver at some point?
LEIGH: I would love the opportunity to be a driver. If I got an opportunity, I'd do everything to do it.
ANDERSON: So he's a virtual winner -- he's virtual winner of the virtual world. Jackie, give him some advice.
STEWART: I don't know about that. I'm glad I'm not racing with him. Anyway, I mean, just up here is the big thing. Mind management, getting
your head together and you start winning. You get emotional and you make mistakes. So you try to avoid the mistakes. That's the main thing.
LEIGH: That's very useful advice for me. Thank you.
STEWART: Well, you know that because you've won already. You know what it is to be a winner.
LEIGH: Yes.
ANDERSON: Listen, I think what's really important about this Esports Championship is the effort that Formula One is making to drag in a new
generation. Bernie Ecclestone had sort of blazed a trail into the T.V. age. Just how important is it, Jackie, to bring all millennials like Brendon?
ANDERSON: Well, I think it was great. I mean, we've got to (INAUDIBLE) Formula One is worldwide known and so forth. People like you who
artistically think at something which you've never got an opportunity to do before (INAUDIBLE) more popular, and you'd be competing against the whole
world, not just your country. So it's going to be great. You're going to enjoy --
ANDERSON: Brendon, you have to understand when that you go abroad, it's not always like this, right?
LEIGH: Yeah, I was trying to go abroad sometime to some other countries but obviously not this one. This is completely unreal.
ANDERSON: His first time abroad and he gets to experience this. Unbelievable. Well done, my love. Congratulations.
LEIGH: Thank you.
ANDERSON: Amanda, talking about F1 and its future. I know, you've got a great guest with you down at the paddock.
DAVIES: Becky, I haven't got one guest. I've got two guests. And you know, this was a season that started with so much excitement, almost that
level excitement because of Formula One's new owners, Liberty Media and the new cars. And I'm pleased to say I've got two of the triumvirate of three
men that's in charge of this sport. Now, I've got Poacher turned Gamekeeper, former Team Principal Ross Brawn who is now Head of Motorsports
in terms of Formula One and Sean Bratches, Head of the Commercial Operations. Great to see you both. Sean, let's start with you. Your
first year in formula one, how has it compared to maybe what you were expecting when you started out?
SEAN BRATCHES, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS, FORMULA ONE: I had --I had little expectations so I think everything has been relatively
new to me. It's been a great year almost. We've been very welcome by the Formula One community overall. There's a lot to do and I think we've you
know, we've started a journey. We've got a lot of work to do but we're -- I think there's a great narrative in the marketplace around the sport.
We're trying to pivot this phenomenal asset from a Motorsport company to a marketing and entertainment brand with the heart and soul of a race car
driver at the middle of it, really fan-focused and the opportunity is extraordinary.
[10:50:25] DAVIES: Has it been a warm welcome by all of the Motorsport community in your opinion?
ROSS BRAWN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MOTORSPORTS. FORMULA ONE: Generally, yes. I mean we're at --- it's now starting to get a bit more contentious because
we have a vision of where we need to be with the cars, where we need to be with the engines in the circuits. And I know from my own experience when
you're in a strong position in Formula One, you don't want change. And so inevitably, there's resistance to change. But I think we have to make a
change. We can see the areas we can improve. We're doing the work to get the evidence and the information we need to make that change. We need to
negotiate and debate with the teams to ensure that change happens.
DAVIES: Where is the most important change, though? Is it on the track or is it off t track? I mean, which if you have the most important role
moving forward, do you think?
BRAWN: Both.
BRATCHES: Both.
DAVIES: Oh, no, that's too diplomatic.
BRAWN: No, honestly, I need to try -- the race is always at the core of it so I need to try and improve the racing.
DAVIES: And how do you do that?
BRAWN: Well competitive groups, more sustainable businesses. We've got a number of teams in Formula One that find the environment very challenging.
So we need to improve that. We need to reduce the differential between the front and the back of the grid. So there's a huge potential in Formula
One. We want the cars to be able to race each other. We want the tracks to be such that they can overtake. So there's huge potential and that's
the core of it. And then put a room that you can create such a fantastic show, fantastic entertainment. And that's where Sean's group takes over.
DAVIES: Standing here this weekend, this evening, here in Abu Dhabi, you do think you are at the center of the sporting world, that it's hard not to
get drawn away with it. Is Formula One as big as it thinks it is, though, outside of this bubble?
BRATCHES: I think it is. And I think it's actually bigger than we think that we know it to today. The next generation really hasn't been
activated. The -- we really don't have a digital presence. We just launched an E-sport product this year. We're going to launch a brand-new
Web site this Fall for the -- excuse me -- in the Spring for the next season, direct to consumer product both live and non-live. So the
opportunity to engage, I think, from a younger demographic standpoint is going to be expanded and we're also looking at more fan activations to
engage the fans that are here. And as you know, as Ross said, I think the fundamental to this is creating a competitive grid and the manifestations
of that from a commercial side grow you know, exponentially. You need the drivers to buy into that though. You need your world champion to wear the
new logo on a cap, don't you?
BRATCHES: Well, I think we do. And I think we're going to do that from a leadership standpoint. I think that the grid -- the Formula One I would
say business Motorsport community is very optimistic. They're encouraged about the opportunity. As Ross said, sometimes it's difficult to get from
A to B but from a directional standpoint, I think we're all aligned.
DAVIES: Sean, Ross, thank you very much indeed. Becky, I think it's certain that next year in Formula One, there will be as much action off the
track as there is on it. And that's the thing about Formula One. It's so much more than just about the cars on the track including boats and
marinas. And I'm not going to let you have all the fun. Am I allowed to come and join you?
ANDERSON: Come on then, come on over. There's a rig waiting for you on side of the marina. You are more than welcome. Amanda is on her way.
Thank you. Normally, this man only likes things that fly. But he's also a fan of F1. I don't know if he has any sea legs or marine legs but he's on
the boat with us tonight, CNN's very own Richard Quest. Welcome, sir.
RICHARD QUEST, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Hi! I'm on the yacht.
ANDERSON: Have you had a good weekend?
QUEST: I've had a magnificent weekend. It's been brilliant. And Becky, congratulations to bring the show on a yacht, not a boat, on yacht in the
middle of all of this. It doesn't get much better. Congrats.
ANDERSON: That's why it's a very, very special show.
QUEST: Absolutely.
ANDERSON: Very briefly, Amanda has just been talking about ensuring that F1 as a sport is dragged into this new world for the new millennials, the
21st, 22nd century. How did they do that?
QUEST: That's the challenge. Is it just cars going around and around to the 150 million or so who watch it? They need a billion people watching
it. They need to be able to bottle this and get it into everybody's home. And now they made a good start, but there's so much more. They picked a
low-hanging fruit and that's what Liberty has to do.
[10:55:11] ANDERSON: I'm fascinated to think of getting it into everybody's home. I think you mean is onto everybody's devices, correct?
QUEST: Well, those of us of a certain age.
ANDERSON: Those of us who aren't millennials.
QUEST: (INAUDIBLE)
ANDERSON: You're talking about T.V. Hey, lovely. Thank you very much indeed. Royalty, VVVIPs, tons literally of caviar, lobsters, and
champagne, not to mention Richard Quest and indeed the race itself. Imagine it being your job to make it all work. We meet the guys with that
responsibility, up next. Do stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Well, the race is over, but the party is in full swing here at the Yas Marina, F1 cars burning 200,000 liters of fuel. This atmosphere is
running on full electricity. This right here is Arabia does Formula One, most expensive track, with this incredible one of a kind hotel right behind
me. And the one in-charge of the Viceroy is Mark Sterner. I got to ask you. This is an iconic hotel, built in time to open for what was the
inaugural race back in 2009. Every single person who comes to Abu Dhabi says to me, how does that roof work? Mark, tell us.
MARK STERNER, GENERAL MANAGER, VICEROY HOTEL GROUP: Well, we have five -- over 5,000 light on the roof, diamond-shaped lights. They're all computer
controlled and dual the colors of the spectrum. So, we control for special occasions, we turn it different colors but it ripples through the roof.
ANDERSON: So when the bulbs burn out, what happens?
STERNER: Well, we've got a great team of engineers there, so they have to get on pulleys up and down. It's not just the bulbs burning out, it's the
cleaning of the lights too.
ANDERSON: All right, yes, yes, yes. I gather the bulbs are quite expensive, right?
STERNER: They're very expensive, they're (INAUDIBLE). They blow our budget every year.
ANDERSON: I'm not going to ask you, how about -- but I am going to ask you about the operation here for a weekend like this. I mean, this is an
iconic built, shall I say, built over the actual track. This weekend is a busy one for you, correct?
STERNER: It's the weekend we were built for, with the (INAUDIBLE) hotel built on a formula one track, the hotel really comes alive. We have over
8,000 people through the hotel during the weekend.
ANDERSON: Not all of them, of course, staying in the Presidential suite. For those who are, how much are they having to drop as it were for yours,
for their stay?
STERNER: It's in the range of $100,000 for the weekend. But you get a fabulous room, with a rooftop pool of your own. So, you know, it's enjoyed
by the few that book it.
ANDERSON: Cheaper twice the price that is what you're telling me.
STERNER: At this weekend, at this weekend today.
ANDERSON: How it fall is the business of entertainment around the industry of F1? We are here amongst what is the glitz and glamour, it doesn't get
much better than this.
STERNER: No, it's fabulous and it really has a spotlight on the hotel. We come alive as I said, at this weekend. People are here for the race but
the party started on Friday night. Thursday night even, sorry. Friday we had entertainment at the hotel. Saturday, tonight we've got a party going
on. And I think, these boats in the hotel will start rocking at about 6:00 in the morning.
ANDERSON: But the hotel, it doesn't going quiet you like clear is up for the other three haven't see sexy lady, correct.
STERNER: We don't and tomorrow is going to be very busy day. We've got 400 visitors checking out and another 350 checking in. So, very busy.
ANDERSON: You might forget some sleep. So, I let you go, I'm sure you're not going home. Anyway, I'll -- we'll let you go. What a pleasure having
you on.
STERNER: Thank you very much.
ANDERSON: I'm not see utilized to the obvious now, those you have been, those perhaps you haven't been now understand how that roof works, it is
spectacular. Spend thousands is traveling to see F1 races, you'd buy the latest camera, right? One guy got one made before the First World War. We
ask him why, up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:05:26] (INAUDIBLE) Yas Marina Circuit. Sir, what you looked at there is past and present, old and new. Real formula of Formula One always lots
of speed extraordinary fans. Many of him we've got in the boat here with this -- on New York here with us tonight on (INAUDIBLE)
But amongst those who are here this year, Joshua Paul, capturing the world's most modern cars with seem super old tech, have a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOSHUA PAUL, PHOTOGRAPHER, FORMULA ONE, FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE AUTOMOBILE: -- got kind of everyone in Formula One, not just the drivers,
but the journalists, team owners, the team as themselves. If you're reading blogs or reading papers, you know their names and you have to see
them. Why not bring them to the forefront, as well. And they're very influential than in the making different tech in sport.
For the mechanics watching in the monitors, it's more (INAUDIBLE) to me like in this car, the nose cone program. I like these moments where
there's real involvement, it's behind the scenes Formula One. Was that like the access like it going cool, going to walk up from this, my cameras
are they look as far, get a little closer.
I photograph almost every driver in the paddocks now. And the one cause was most nervous photograph was (INAUDIBLE). Because I've been a fan, of
course, for 10 to 15 years but I couldn't tell them. I don't just think she walker.
For this, going to I was photograph kinetis helm in the camera and then suddenly he was vulnerable, just like you only drop it, you know how to use
it? He looks through it and I think he liked it and suddenly I was, you know, showing how to focus. I was with serving the shutter, changing the
film holders.
Very hard to get access to shoot a port, should even now that I've become known. I think if Americans saw these drivers, they saw that they were fit
good-looking guys. Multimillionaires dating beautiful women risking their lives, all of that, I think it would catch on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, let's meet him, Joshua Paul and his amazing piece of kit right here on the Saluzi with me. As well as the man in charge of running
this entire circuit. He knows this marina better than anybody else. Thanks to the both of you, thank you for coming.
AL TAREQ AL AMERI, CEO, YAS MARINA CIRCUIT: Thank you for having me.
ANDERSON: I want to start with you, Joshua (INAUDIBLE). Al Tareq, I know that you know, Joshua's work.
AL AMERI: I'm familiar with the work, yes, yes, indeed.
ANDERSON: Good, yes, it's remarkable stuff and I am told that the other photographer surround F1 aren't that keen on you mate, what is that?
PAUL: No, they're keen on me, we're good friends now. But you take up a little more space with my camera. GFT driver is coming, my ample intensity
out on there and then, yes, there's a, you know, got a foot in front of me, foot above me.
ANDERSON: Why? Why did you do?
PAUL: You know, honestly, it was to shoot monic on periods to keep things fresh the first time I brought it. And I didn't get results, which
provoked me to bring it back to more races.
And when it happens to be in nostalgia on history of the sport and show me drivers as heroes, the cars as heroic. Had to deconstruct the car vent.
ANDERSON: How much did you know about F1 before you started?
PAUL: A lot. I've got fans that I was probably this big.
ANDERSON: Excellent, all right, this is going to be a question that I put to you, sir, as well, because you are responsible for this. How much did
you know about F1 before this track came her, and I was inaugurated back in 2009?
AL AMERI: Well, first of all, I think every too much present, we have a huge team working on this just deliver an amazing event.
My knowledge in F1 was my newest report I came into the activity here. But I stopped it, because (INAUDIBLE) myself and love it, and I can see the
(INAUDIBLE) in myself and my team and showed when they deliver the event.
ANDERSON: You deliver quite a spectacular event. And Joshua, I'm sure, has picked of (INAUDIBLE) shot to what's going on here. Just how important
is this event, a last race of the season for Abu Dhabi and the UAE?
AL AMARI: It's unbelievable. Both in the finale of (INAUDIBLE), allowing people to come in, enjoy themselves, celebrate. It's the message that you
want to get out and the perception, tolerance, and the unity with other nations and people.
ANDERSON: What does it take, sir, to run an operation like this, 365 days year? Because you've got to get it right to these four, right?
[11:09:54] AL AMARI: Yes, true, true. Literally, the team and myself we lost him. A whole year in advance, before the event delivery and it takes
a lot of work and leave it done with all departments here in Abu Dhabi. The stakeholders and partners shall if we started with guy in the airport,
started the guy in port (INAUDIBLE). It's a lot of work and I think it shows that -- the work that's got into it.
ANDERSON: Well, Josh, where you've been snapping away now for some years. What is it about this sport do you think that makes the shots you're taking
on this amazing piece of kit so spectacular.
PAUL: Well, I think there's so much rich history of Formula racing. And then some of the famous drivers and famous cars and famous circuits. And
this the same circuits here, they were being driven on 50 years ago.
Some kind of bringing that back with my cameras, you know, making nostalgic, tapping the history in. I think, kind of reinvigorating our
fans, that they can actually like that sport again. Because a (INAUDIBLE) little bit boring for a while.
ANDERSON: (INAUDIBLE) of you, what a night. As I say, the party is on. Ladies and gentlemen, the party is on the race. It's over the season, over
within spectacular want a click the clamped, the red hop race and red hop parties, F1, is as much about what happens, of course, off the track as it
is on the track.
So, we meet the owner of an iconic after party club. It's called the Amber Lounge the (INAUDIBLE) with this, after this, stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SONIA IRVINE, OWNER, AMBER LOUNGE: Hi, I'm Sonia Irvine and welcome to Amber lounge.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Right. Well, any of those who watch chilling, onboard at present possibly at down at the Amber Lounge. In fact, almost, almost
probably down at the Amber Lounge, later on, tonight, owner, Sonia Irving, sister of F1 star Eddie, joining me now, along with Ella Eyre. You just
saw in a short clip a hugely successful pop star.
Welcome aboard and I'm so delighted to you both because I know I left that club last night at around 1:00, having finished my work. You didn't even
kick off until about 1:30, quarter to 2:00.
ELLA EYRE, SINGER AND SONGWRITER, VIRGIN EMI RECORDS: Yes, it was a late one for assume, I've got my mom with me and she partied the whole night
through. So --
ANDERSON: Does she party?
EYRE: Not usually, but she lasted about 4:30 yesterday. I'm looking forward to see how she does tomorrow.
[11:15:01] ANDERSON: How is sport isn't that like Ella to what you do, Sonia?
IRVINE: It just gives us that, it's something different. It gives us at something special and she was amazed with everybody last night. Everybody
was cheering and thinking with that was it's great. I like an act that just gives to everybody who's there.
ANDERSON: You've been in this game for 16 years, now. You brought your brother, Eddie, of course, was a driver, you've been around the circuit for
a very long time. What's changed?
IRVINE: What's change in Formula One? You know, I think, mainly, you know, there's obviously, liberty have come onboard, they're doing great
things, they're doing different things, and, you know, that's good for the sport, good for life. So, it for us glitz and glamour's because said
nothing is safe, it was always light, is it will always will be, right? You know, you just -- you just got to improve things, you always trying to improve things.
ANDERSON: Yes, are you -- are you an F1 fan?
EYRE: I am, it's hard not to be, is that really am. I grew up with at my mom's obsessed, it's hard not to bring a -- and so, yes, it's not hard not
to be, it's amazing. Especially when you're here, the smell, and the atmosphere is amazing.
ANDERSON: Yes, it's great. You are in the Amber Lounge tonight?
EYRE: I am, of course, yes.
ANDERSON: How did that you do it?
EYRE: I don't know about 4:30 again, though. We'll see how that goes.
ANDERSON: In 16 years, you are part of what is a really, really, really busy season, Sonia, when we talked last night, I said, when do you sleep
for night? And then you pick it all offer again in the down season.
IRVINE: I know, which is why I'm hoarse at the moment. So, I had about a couple of hours sleep again last night but that's what it's like. If you
choose you're driven on energy.
ANDERSON: How's the season, been?
IRVINE: It's been a long season, it's been a fantastic season. I think the nice thing about the Abu Dhabi race is the end of season parties to all
the drivers that ready to relax and ready have fun along with this same thing.
ANDERSON: And what is it (INAUDIBLE) from here? Because the guys, when we chat, when we chatted last night, you reminded me 15, 16 races back in the
day. And the season is getting longer and more, and more races, where next and what do you want to do?
IRVINE: I'm -- I want to introduce four Amber Lounges inside Formula One. I like to keep it exclusive and I want to -- the drivers to look forward to
come and around and thinking, oh, my God, another Amber Lounge. So, that's why I do that, thought we give a thresh by modern countries.
ANDERSON: Aside from Ella, who else did you have been in last night? I know you know what space to say because you give VIP. Go, and tell us,
please.
IRVINE: Oh, listen, we had good people. The Thursday was the most amazing person on the dance floor I've ever seen, was Cav -- Mark Cavendish was a
very good dancer.
ANDERSON: He's got his strong legs being a cyclist, ladies, and gentlemen.
IRVINE: Yes, I said to him, where did you learn to dance? He got because I used to do ballroom dancing when I was younger, so, that's something you
didn't know.
ANDERSON: What was your -- what was you're (INAUDIBLE) when you consider, when you reflect on the career with the Amber Lounge which really gets a
kind of -- it personify that glitz and glamour of this -- of this industry. Where works, where has work best for you? Because you started off in
Monaco, right?
IRVINE: I started off in Monaco in 2003. And I didn't -- I was selling thin air. I'd never done it before, I'd no market material. I was amazed,
and all the teams supported me. Prince Albert came, celebrities is great, I was going from there.
ANDERSON: Amazing, amazing. So, what's -- tell me honestly, what's the F1, crowd like as a crowd? Where you on that stage?
EYRE: Rowdy, at one 2:45 in the morning, you would hope so, but it's been an amazing day and I think tonight is going to be even better, and it's
great.
ANDERSON: Fantastic, good stuff. (INAUDIBLE), ladies and gentlemen. That these two ladies have only just begun their day. Wish them the best of
luck, I certainly do, thank you.
For this show, on this floating palace, the Saluzi, this great big 340 foot, half a million a-week yacht, you must want to check it out, right?
Oh, I did, so that you have.
This weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is unquestionably the hottest ticket in town. Now, if you've got 30 good mates and a couple of
hundred grand to drop, let me show you how you could do this in style.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Peter, or should I call him captain?
PETER, CAPTAIN, SALUZI YACHT: Thank you, of course, you should, and welcome aboard, Saluzi, the best yacht in the Marina.
ANDERSON: Saluzi, the best yacht in the Marina, let's do it.
Well, this keeps you fit, five floors. Wow! Look at this! Amazing!
PETER: Look at this, Becky. It's amazing, this is a wonderful weapon that it can all (INAUDIBLE) the lights, that's it.
ANDERSON: Hello, ladies
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello.
ANDERSON: Look busy?
[11:19:59] PETER: All ladies, you will be on CNN live, look at us.
60 percent of the track you can see from here. This is a best -- the best place that you get in, Yas Marina for viewing the race.
There we go.
ANDERSON: Wow! (INAUDIBLE) before this amazing.
PETER: Isn't it?
Becky, we are going out to the sun deck. This weekend, you have the chance to watch the final race of the season from the Jacuzzi.
ANDERSON: From the Jacuzzi?
PETER: Yes, indeed!
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Peter, turn that camera off. I'm going in. There wasn't any water, so thankfully, I was said, it's been of not to going for I'm sure
that are people on aboard tonight, who will be taking advantage of that and almost all these seasons races CNN's space of (INAUDIBLE) sport. Amanda
Davis has been with you every step of the way. Joining me now, you made it. You open the paddock? How was the -- how was the trip over here?
DAVIES: Well, Becky, I think the people might saw and hating me and think I have the best gig at CNN.
ANDERSON: Do we pay you? Or would you pay out?
DAVIES: It is not all like this and I will thank you what is on offer, that's all I'm going to say.
ANDERSON: Well, count on me, I got to cross-examine you about the season and get says what just in case people think all you do is party, which of
course, you don't, and highlights of the season if you will. It's been wonderful, isn't it?
DAVIES: I think, the first thing from a CNN perspective, with the new owners, we had been insight. The product in that is something that
suddenly didn't happen in news era. There was no such thing as a transnational forecaster at Formula One. So, the fact that we've been here
is fantastic.
And that battle between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, between Mercedes and Ferrari, at the start of the place, in which, when you say
here now with Lewis having wrapped up the title, three races ago. It actually easy to forget. But at that time, for those first-hand races of
the season, the momentum went backwards and forwards. Can you genuinely went (INAUDIBLE) to each race, and you didn't know who was going to win and
that's something that this sport has missed in recent times.
ANDERSON: You interviewed Lewis Hamilton to some, a couple of weeks ago and we played that interview at beginning of this show. I told you Jacky
sure about him. He says, he's ripe for being a legend at this point. What did you talk to me about the man that you got to know on the circuit?
DAVIES: Lewis Hamilton is a man who lives and breathes this sport, and people sometimes don't understand that because we see him on social media
going to New York fashion week, being pictured at the matt balls. Having his photo taken with Neymar and all sorts of sports stars.
But ultimately, this is somebody who was (INAUDIBLE) sport, growing up in Formula One. You can see was a very, very young boy and he has had to find
his own way to live a normal life in an extraordinary world, simplified by where we're sitting. And this is how he found to do it, he, when he goes
to those things switching off, mentally shutting down and coming back refreshed.
And when I say shutting down, it only shut down like your eyes. He taught his own admission is on the whole time. He never stops, he even when he's
on the plane, he's replaying some messages and said he got 300 text messages, congratulating him on winning the world title. And he sat on the
plane and he felt, he wanted to respond every single one.
ANDERSON: And it was interesting, and it reminds me just of what, you know, an Arab so, I go even thanking the British crowd to being here. When
we say thanking, he see thanking the Circuit here. I mean, it did his hard, this game.
DAVIES: He gets that and he knows how it works. And not everybody likes him, but I think, this season, he's certainly want to loss of (INAUDIBLE),
and then, more people respect him.
ANDERSON: So, as we close out this season, as these guys, get set to ramp up the noise that what is this party on me. Yas Marina, just in sort, just
we go into the 28 team season. What will change? What's new?
DAVIES: In terms of the rules and regulations, not very much is going to change. Finding his self as interesting. I think, Mercedes is still going
to beat the teams to beat. They are still very much up the leading in the way. They will that get something extra out of that cause. They only won
the title this year because of Lewis, that cause takes them, or take him not that many favors.
So, they'll be hoping to take an extra jump but red bull of the team that really have come up in the half of this season. I wish they max the staff
and really start and he'll be hoping to build.
We got text over the next few days, the teams do not stop, we saw the people who got to go on holiday, but are locked down and the work continues
24 hours a day.
ANDERSON: No, to you, of course, because she does just that one. The extraordinary specialist, (INAUDIBLE) stop loads and loads about this four
is well but during the season, I see the face and they very learn that you will know well around the F1 Circuit, of course.
Amazing to have you, thank you.
DAVIES: Thank you.
ANDERSON: This is our home, of course, it's always wonderful to ha you here at the end of (INAUDIBLE).
DAVIES: On expect to as we visit, of course.
ANDERSON: Thank you, Amanda. What a show! Never one quite like it, believe me, we've never done this before, its been so special. All the
action, all the guest, right here from inside the Circuits on this fantastic (INAUDIBLE) Saluzi. We have a friends here with us, we going to
take a very short break, CNN of course, continues, we'll live you with just some vision of the Yas Marina Circuit, as we close out what has been, as I
say, an extraordinary F1 season, from Amanda, myself and the entire team working with me, here in Abu Dhabi, it is a very good evening.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
