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Connect the World
Lewis Hamilton Won His Sixth Driver's Championship In 2019; Leclerc Has Emerged As Major Force In F1 In His Debut Season; Trailblazer Sisters On Track For Motor Success; Special Olympics Aim To Create A Unified Word Of Inclusion; Ocon Reflects On His Time With Mercedes Ahead Of Joining Renault; W Abu Dhabi Opens Doors On Yas Island. Aired 10-11a ET
Aired December 01, 2019 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[10:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LYNDA KINKADE, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Hello, I'm Lynda Kinkade, and this is CNN NEWS NOW. One of the victims of London's terror attack has
been identified as 25-year-old Jack Merritt. He was working to help former convicts transition to life outside prison. Both Merritt and a yet to be
identified a woman were killed in Friday's attack. Both had attended the University of Cambridge.
Police say convicted terrorist Usman Khan acted alone in carrying out that stabbing spree. Khan was released earlier from prison after serving less
than half of a 16-year prison without even facing a parole board. British lawmakers say the attack should never have happened. Prime Minister Boris
Johnson is calling for change to the automatic early release for prisoners.
CNN Correspondent Nina dos Santos is covering this story and joins us now live from London. And Nina, it seems most politicians agree that they
should never have happened and that the system needs to be fixed.
NINA DOS SANTOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that's right, Lynda. Both sides of the aisle -- obviously, this is an election time as well. Two weeks ago
before Britain's go to the polls have seized upon this issue, one side blaming the other. Boris Johnson, as you just heard, they're taking to the
airwaves on the Sunday morning talk shows saying that he deplored the fact that this individual was out in the public, able to pose a risk to the
public and that the current terms that of his release, the system of automatic early release would be reviewed urgently by the government.
Now we've got one government, the Conservative government, blaming the Labour government for having introduced those rules in the first place.
And then the Labour government yet again, saying well, successive conservative governments haven't done anything to change them until this
has now become a political hot potato.
In the meantime, what more do we know about this individual who was the perpetrator of these attacks? Well, we have been in communication, CNN,
with his longtime lawyer who's represented him since 2010. And we've also obtained a letter here that he wrote to that Lewis office in which he
apparently is requesting an opportunity to try and have some kind of mentor scheme to try and shed his ideological views.
His Lewis says that that represents an opportunity that was missed in jail. He didn't get access to this kind of services until he was automatically
released after eight years, serving his sentence into the wider community. And then a year later went on to commit this attack that cost two people
their lives. Lynda?
KINKADE: Yes, absolutely tragic. Nina dos Santos for us in London, thank you very much. Well, a 38-year-old Irish woman described as an ISIS bride
is being taken into custody in Dublin. Lisa Smith was deported from Turkey and arrested in the Ireland upon arrival. The former Irish soldier was
traveling with a young daughter who is in the care of relatives.
That is your CNN NEWS NOW, I'm Lynda Kinkade. A special edition of CONNECT THE WORLD starts right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
AMANDA DAVIES, CNN WORLD SPORTS ANCHOR: In March signaled the start of a new season but it was the same old story was Mercedes picking up where they
left off at the end of 2018. Amidst high hopes of the rivalry resuming between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, it was Hamilton teammate
Valtteri Bottas who took the first trophy of the year.
But Lewis was back at the front in Bahrain, and China, Spain, Monaco, Canada, and France. And before we and the rest knew it, he'd racked up six
wins in eight and a 36-point lead in the standings. The Silver Arrows work were fine until Max Verstappen took his Red Bull by the horns and took
victory and his team's home race in Austria. And then again two races later in Germany.
As for Ferrari, their challenge was floundering. A season of struggle for four time world champion Sebastian Vettel, an added frustration at how his
young teammates in just his second season on the grid has grown into his role in red. Charles Leclerc taking the checkered flag in spar, and then
again in front of the (INAUDIBLE). But in reality, such as been his dominant nothing was going to stop Lewis this year, serenely driving his
way to a six world title in Austin with two races to spare.
He's just the second man ever to have a chance to speak with just one, Michael Schumacher having gone better with seven world titles. And after
his dad suggestion, he could keep on going until he's 40. That's eight small chances of claiming that championship crown again. Amanda Davies,
CNN Abu Dhabi.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Well, this is where the party is at folks. Megayachts, choppers, laser beams billionaires, you can see it
all popping into a brilliant extravagance right here at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with the cars sprinting across the finish line just minutes ago.
That's why there is nowhere else worth being right now. And that's why we're here as Abu Dhabi celebrates more than ten years of Formula 1.
So we are bringing you into the mix live at the W Hotel, the only hotel on top of an F1 track in the world. And we want you to get involved. I'm
Becky Anderson, welcome to the show. And what a show it's been already.
Popping into a brilliant extravagance, popping into brilliant extravagance. And just soak it all in these fireworks celebrating Lewis Hamilton's walk
in the park win. And he's made it look pretty easy all season. Hamilton and the Mercedes seem already championship winners before the race even
began. And his teammate Valtteri Bottas in second place.
But in the words of the legendary race driver Niki Lauda, it's boring to talk about winning. Well, Amanda Davies just over the wall behind me in
the paddock knows this season, Amanda, has been anything but boring, right?
DAVIES: Yes, absolutely, Becky. Here we are in the paddock. The sun is set, the fireworks have gone off in spectacular style, as you said, and the
party very much getting started to celebrate the end of this what has been a fantastic 2019 at Formula 1 season.
It maybe wasn't the blockbuster final raise that some people would have wanted, but more celebrated a ceremonial final race for the as you said
already crowned world champion, Lewis Hamilton. As mere mortals, may have thought, well I've already wrapped up that title, I'll take my foot off the
gas and enjoy it, but that is not what makes Lewis and Mercedes such machines, such successful Formula 1 teams and driver, the most successful
in recent times.
They said they really wanted to stake their claim, prove their point after a disappointing show last time out and Brazil. And boy, did they do that.
Lewis very much leading from the front all the way from that pole position extending his lead across the course of the 55 laps and letting the rest
race behind him.
And you know, this is always one of the most spectacular venues on the Formula 1 calendar with the fireworks, with the lights on the hotel over
the marina. But it really was going to take something special. Well, I don't think it was ever going to happen that Lewis was going to be outshone
here in Abu Dhabi because of the way he has dominated their season.
It hasn't always been easy, but he has made it look so easy that he wrapped up the title as you said in Austin, with the two races of the season to
spare. He is now the second most successful Formula 1 driver of all time. Second only to the great Michael Schumacher. So just to put that into
context, how has he done it, what does it really mean? I caught it up where the F1 broadcaster Will Buxton.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WILL BUXTON, FORMULA 1 BROADCASTER: Well, it's already been done once before by arguably the greatest driver of all time, Michael Schumacher,
certainly the most successful driver of all time. Lewis also is the only driver in history who have won a Grand Prix in every season he's ever
contested, no matter the machinery at his disposal, no matter the rivalries he's faced on and off track. He's redefining the sport.
You know, we talked about Michael and we talked about what he achieved. And those are records that were never supposed to be broken. And we're now
looking at Lewis thinking, well, he's about some match, Michael next year, potentially. He will surpass very likely the records that Michael set.
And now we're looking at who will break Lewis' records. And that's, that's how huge his achievements are. He's breaking the records we thought were
unbreakable.
DAVIES: How do you think he is getting on as a person? He seems this season to have been a lot more relaxed.
BUXTON: So I mean, there's a lot of thinking about this. I've known Lewis a very long time, from junior formulas all the way -- all the way through,
and there is a different side of him this year. If you imagine what it must be like to be any one of the other 19 drivers here and see Lewis
living his life outside of this sport, knowing that he turns up here every weekend essentially for fun, and he still eats them for breakfast.
I mean, A, how disconcerting is that for the rest of the -- of the grid, but how incredible how strong does that make a sportsman that they turn up
with nothing to lose and they are at the peak of their game. How do you beat that? How do you beat somebody that's just doing it for fun?
DAVIES: I mean, it's testament. You know, the other drivers put their hands up and they do give Lewis credit for what he does. Some drivers
might be a bit fed up about how easy he makes it.
BUXTON: I'm sure -- I'm sure they're all relishing the day that he goes and does something else. You know, let us have a bit of a -- have a little
bit of it as well. But no, that's it. You know, he does -- he consistently raises his level. And they all see that, they all respect
that because you don't just turn up and win races. You do have to work out.
And even though, you know, we might look at and say he is just doing it for fun, and I'm sure he is, you can be damn sure he's working as hard if not
harder than anybody else on that grid to maintain that level. Because if you're at the top, and if you have that level, consistently hitting that
level has to be -- has to be incredibly hard.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
DAVIES: That was Will Buxton a little bit earlier on. Today is Lewis' 11th race win this season. It's Mercedes 15 of 21 over the last eight,
nine months or so since the start of the season in March. It isn't just Lewis, it is the dominance of this team. And Becky, you got such an
insight here on Thursday about the standards that they demand to be able to do what they do.
Lewis was asked to give his team a rating out of ten this season. He said, not perfect. We've still got room for improvement. We want to win all 21,
so he said 9.6 out of 10.
ANDERSON: It's unbelievable, isn't it? Good lad. All right, Amanda, I'll speak you in a bit. There is a tremendous amount of energy and excitement
to soak up here over the next couple of hours. And while we are at it, we're going to be connecting you to two youngsters taking the sport of
racing by storm, homegrown Emeriti talent, shattering stereotypes, and quite frankly, leaving the boys in the dust as they do it.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Well, a little British BBQ celebrating a British win in the form of Lewis Hamilton. Here we are, of course, live from the Abu Dhabi Grand
Prix. You are joining us for a special edition of CONNECT THE WORLD. And we are reeling off the life at 200 miles an hour. We know who's won this
year, but he's going to be winning in the many years to come.
Well, there is a lot of great up and coming talent. Let's get back to Amanda live from the post-race party down in the F1 paddock. And as
Hamilton celebrates his sixth championship, Amanda, there is some serious competition in the wings, right?
DAVIES: Yes, absolutely very much that case, Becky. The paddock, I have to just tell you really very much filling up because the three guys who are
up on the podium have now come back from the podium. They're just coming down into the paddock here to do their media interviews. So many people
flooding to try and get a pic of them a selfie, maybe grab a signature, an autograph from them. But yes, as is the case with so many sports.
Well, as Lewis Hamilton might be dominating today or tension already turned into who is going to pick up the mantle when he finally decides to hang up
his helmet, put down his driving gloves. And one man who was certainly staked a claim better than most of the others this season is the young
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. It was only 12 months ago, I was much further down this paddock at this race talking to the Leclerc at the end of
his first season in Formula 1.
He knew he'd already grabbed a drive with one of the big boys Ferrari for this season. He was fulfilling a childhood dream. But despite the fact
that this year he has been driving alongside fighting a teammate in a four- time world champion in Sebastian Vettel. He's really thrown the cat amongst the pigeons.
He's cause the team a few issues but Leclerc has absolutely been loving it. And really, very much one of the hottest talents for the future aged just
22. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHARLES LECLERC, F1 DRIVER: It's a good, good first season. There's been some lows. I've improved a lot as a driver. And Especially in the in the
lows, I've learned a lot. And now I'm really looking forward to the future to get even better.
DAVIES: Where do you think the biggest area that you've improved has been?
LECLERC: Qualifying probably at the beginning of the year. I was struggling quite a lot in qualifying. And then I put a lot of work into it
in France. It was a lot stronger straight away. And then the race pace too, the race management. Seb is very good at it so I had a good reference
next to me and that's good job.
DAVIES: Had you expect it to be as competitive as you have been?
LECLERC: Looking at the championship now, probably not. Well, definitely not. I mean, yes, I mean, in the first part of the season, as a driver you
always wants more so I was not very satisfied with the way everything was going. But with a second half, I'm very happy and I did not expect to have
the end of my first season seven poles and two wins. This is crazy. So no, I did not expect it.
DAVIES: Have you had a chance to sit back and reflect on that yet? Like, do you appreciate what you've done because it's quite epic in your second
season in Formula One?
LECLERC: Not yet. I struggle to anytime I do good things, you know, the - - I don't know, obviously, it's on another scale. But when I won the championship in Formula 2, these things I struggled to realize even
afterwards. I just focused on the next thing and every challenge is -- every time you take something you just look forward to the -- to the next
challenge which is even bigger.
So yes, it's been a great year but I just can't wait to be next year to be trying to put everything together and be even further up in the -- in the
sending.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
DAVIES: And Becky, Charles did finish on the podium finishing third today, but that is up for question. He's got a meeting with stewards, question
marks over a fuel irregularity for Ferrari, which might yet see him demoted. Without doubt, I want to watch and will be a real interesting
subject to watch in terms of how Ferrari deal with the relationship between Charles and Sebastian Vettel moving forwards.
But it's not just him, there is so many young exciting drivers on the grids at the moment, the likes of Max Verstappen of Red Bull, George Russell,
Lando Norris. And we're actually going to be hearing from another one of the exciting, hot young talents a little bit later in the show, in Esteban
Ocon, Becky.
ANDERSON: That's fantastic. And Amanda, as you well know, it is not just the guys to look out for, not even close. You are viewers looking at two
Emirati sisters, that is local homegrown talent from right here in the United Arab Emirates who have put their minds set on nothing short of
absolute and out and out glory.
Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi taking part in a special Formula 4 competition right here on the very same track as that racing idols. And get this,
yesterday, Amna made history by becoming the first Arab female race winner in a single-seater category.
Well, I've gotten both here. I've got Amna and Hamda here. And I've got dad as well. First off, well done. Congratulations. You both raced
yesterday. And Hamda, you had a terrific drive as well. Amna, just take me back and reflect on the race and the enormity of that win for you.
AMNA AL QUBAISI, RACE DRIVER, F4: It was amazing. It was a new experience for me. I've cried the first time I just crossed the checkered flag
because I've had so much emotions. All the traveling all the hard work and the experience finally paid off in the end.
ANDERSON: Well, it was when they played the national anthem that the hairs on my arms stood up. Having lived here in the Emirates for as long as I
have, I know how important it is that you are homegrown talent. Just tell our viewers, when did -- when did you start racing?
AL QUBAISI: I started in 2014. I competed locally and then I started to compete in Europe. I claimed top five positions. I participate in the
world championship, fastest lap times. So from that, I had the sponsorship from Kaspersky Lab to move me up to Formula 4.
ANDERSON: That's fantastic. And Hamda, you're 15 years old. I know your sister is an inspiration to you, correct?
HAMDA AL QUBAISI, RACE DRIVER: Most definitely.
ANDERSON: You started in karting, of course, both of you. Did you always know this was a sport for you?
H. AL QUBAISI: To be honest, in the beginning, I didn't expect I would ever enter into the sport. But after I saw Amna, her first season racing,
she inspired me. And I was like, I want to get into it straightaway. And so my dad helped me out and we go into it. And in my first season, I
already surprised myself getting five podiums. And from there, I just want to keep going.
ANDERSON: This is absolutely remarkable. Listen, viewers. Dad knows a little bit about the sport of racing himself. You very famously here in
this region race the Le Mans 24 hour race. I know you've had a number of podium finishes. What sort of quality do you see your daughters? And you
must be very proud, sir, by the way.
KHALED AL QUBAISI, EMIRATI RACE DRIVER: Extremely, extremely proud to be honest, not only myself as their father, as a countryman for the whole UAE,
this means really, really a lot. Well, you know, they started out very young. That's what I wanted to do if I had the opportunity, and I gave
them that opportunity. There's no boundaries. Even though they're females, I said, we do whatever you want. And they surprised us to be
honest, Amna and Hamda.
They did really well in carting and that took them to the next step of single seaters. And now we see them here challenging that ever six, seven
years of motorsports by winning a race and making history.
ANDERSON: This is absolutely remarkable. Listen, what's next?
A. AL QUBAISI: Definitely the next step is Formula 3. That's the main goal. So hopefully next year we'll get into that.
ANDERSON: Right. And how does it feel leaving some of these guys in the dust because yesterday I prayed and both of you did.
A. AL QUBAISI: Yes. Yesterday was really amazing. I made a nine second gap so I pulled away. I made the fastest lap time, and also I made history
and being the first woman to qualify pole position.
ANDERSON: What does it take to be a great driver?
A. AL QUBAISI: A lot of hard work, years and years of hard work. Like I could -- I've been doing this for years, and it finally paid off in the
end. So yes, a lot of hard work.
ANDERSON: I got to say, you know -- and dad, you pointed it out, I mean, there are no barriers. There shouldn't be any barriers anywhere in the
world. There certainly aren't any barriers here. I mean, you know, we -- anybody will applaud females in this sport. It's, it's kind of a normal
thing out here these days. There's a lot of women in this sport as youngsters, right?
K. AL QUBAISI: Absolutely.
ANDERSON: Go on, Khaled.
K. AL QUBAISI: Absolutely. I mean, we see it in all kinds of fields, the female are out in force. They're dedicated, they're committed, they're
competing in the workplace, and then sports. And this is all because of our leadership giving us right from the get go the equal opportunity for
education, and for sport.
[10:25:02]
ANDERSON: Now how much competition is there between the two of you. Go on then. Be honest.
H. AL QUBAISI: A lot of competition. We are always fighting nonstop. In carting, we've been in the same category once. And like my parents said
they couldn't even watch the race.
ANDERSON: Are you going to get into the W Series? Is that the idea?
H. AL QUBAISI: The W Series is really good mileage and puts a lot of track time. So if I did have the opportunity to go back again, I would.
ANDERSON: But Formula 1 is going to be the ultimate prize, isn't it?
A. AL QUBAISI: Yes, Formula One is always the main goal.
ANDERSON: Good girls. All right, well, listen, it's been an absolute pleasure having the Al Qubaisi family on and we absolutely truly thank you.
A. AL QUBAISI: Thank you so much.
ANDERSON: Great stuff. Now look, this is all spectacular, but there's more to sports, of course, than just winning. The great Nelson Mandela
once said that sport has the power to change the world.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: There are by as many as 200 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world. The goal of the Special Olympics, to reach
out to them and their families.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: We remember an era changing moment for this country and this region with a look back at the Special Olympics.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:29:58]
ANDERSON: Well, you can almost feel like you could see this party from space. Believe it or not, this is Abu Dhabi and it is in full-on, all-out,
no holds part party mode. All capping off what has been an exhilarating F1 season.
But frankly, it hasn't been the only game in town, this year far from it. The Special Olympics World Games, the largest in history were held right
here in this city, in what was a really seminal moment for people of determination, of people with special needs across the world.
There are some 200 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world, who now more than ever know that they have earned the right to be in
any school, compete on any playing field, and work in any job. So it was our honor, a real honor to take part
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: There are as many as 200 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world. Goal of the Special Olympics to reach out
to them and their family.
MARIA SHRIVER, DAUGHTER OF EUNICE SHRIVER: There's a story behind each person here. There's a story behind each family. There's a story behind
each coach.
TIM SHRIVER, CHAIRMAN, SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Lurking behind so many biases and so many fears, and so many ways in which we other people lurk beautiful
human beings.
NOURA AL KAABI, MINISTER OF CULTURE AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The time and values of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed,
and the founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. What happens at those foundation are about inclusion, are about humanity.
ANDERSON: You've had a bit of a fabulous haircut, what's that all about?
CONOR CONWAY, WORLD GAME ATHLETE: It's called a high fade.
ANDERSON: What do you hope, Avril, will be achieved here and as a legacy?
AVRIL LAVIGNE, SINGER AND SONGWRITER, CANADA: I hope that the stigma is broken.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That shame and stigma, it's really touches every single member of the family.
ANDERSON: You're the first Liberia to win a gold medal, and this is the Special Olympics. We are so proud of you, mate.
We can all, all of us, do our bit wherever we are in the world to help raise global awareness for people of determination. Here's a message from
the athletes. Three, two, one. Be unified!
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Be unified. Well, to help me relive some of what was some glorious moments of the Special Olympics World Games here in Abu Dhabi.
I'm joined by Tala Al-Ramahi, who spearheaded the projects at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.
And we're joined by Ayman Abdel Wahab, who is the regional president for Special Olympics. And I know you were -- you know, you were so proud of
what this city pulled off.
Ayman, Tala, just let's reflect on what went into hosting these games. And why it is that Abu Dhabi decided to take on the event in March of 2019.
TALA AL-RAMAHI, CHIEF STRATEGY DIRECTOR, ABU DHABI WORLD GAMES 2019: These games were more about -- were more than just about hosting the world's
here. We really wanted to change societal perceptions towards people with intellectual disabilities.
Unfortunately, this is not just a local problem, but a global problem where people with intellectual disabilities are viewed in a certain way, there is
a certain stigma that the society and community have used them. And we want to make sure that we change that, and I believe that we did through
the games.
We also wanted to make sure that our policymaking going forward was inclusive. And I believe we also manage to really change societal
perceptions, but also change the way policy-making is made in the UAE.
ANDERSON: Let me come back to you on that because I think the legacy of these games is so important to discuss. Before we do that. Ayman, how
important were these games? The fact that they were held for the first time here in the Middle East?
AYMAN ABDEL WAHAB, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICAN REGION, SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Yes, actually, I was always been trying to convince
people that one day we are going to be able to host the Word Games. The people who are always looking at me during the board meetings or during the
any type of committee meetings that are talking was this guy saying, no way that the Middle East would ever host such a game. Especially that you know
what's going on starting January 2011, and the complete unrest throughout the region.
So now, I'm so proud because the dream came through. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed actually, to be honest, he had met the whole thing. And let, let us
say in a word, revolution. And a unified revolution for the first time ever in this region.
[10:35:10]
ANDERSON: And viewers, when we talk about sort of unified revolution, that is not an overstatement because I live in work here, and I've witnessed
just the changing perceptions around people with specialties and intellectual disabilities, just in the -- in the apartment complex that I
live in.
But you see across the board in this country, and I genuinely believe there's been a very big impact around the region.
Let's talk about the legacy of those games. Let's talk about what Abu Dhabi is doing to ensure this wasn't a one-off event.
AL-RAMAHI: So, before we even decided to host these games, we wanted to make sure that we engage the right stakeholders, to get them to buy into
this core vision of the games. About making sure that inclusion is the way forward.
And so now, we are working with these -- with these policymakers, with federal, but also local government partners who are taking this message
forward, and working on policies and programs to bring forward the -- are much more inclusive.
For instance, the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi just launched an incubator program, funding a handful of social enterprises that
promote inclusion for people with disabilities.
This is the first time they have made launched an incubator program and decided that they wanted to focus on people with disabilities for their
pilot. So, this is quite exciting.
On a federal level, we had every single minister come together a few days before the games. And for our determination retreat to talk about the
important policy changes that needs to happen to make our nation much more inclusive.
ANDERSON: Even if dissemination is a phrases being coined post these games, and it's wonderful. We have at CNN two kids, Arvin and Salah, both
from the Zayed higher organization. From a school for people with specialties who are working as interns at CNN.
And Arvin and Salah have been wonderful. It's been -- it's been so good for the staff for us to have Arvin and Salah around us. You know, it's --
it makes you feel just alive when you see these guys really taking on these tasks at CNN.
I've got to wrap this up. But finally, are you genuinely sure that there has been a positive impact around the region? The region needed it, right?
WAHAB: Yes, the region need it. And to be honest with you, it's making a big change now. And maybe -- and maybe I will give you one -- your
initiative that will be happening very soon. As this the Special Olympics Africa, continent, games, for the first time ever.
ANDERSON: Wonderful.
WAHAB: Because we had nine regional games for MENA. But for Africa, it will be the first one. And this is I think, one of the great legacies of
these games.
ANDERSON: Yes, wonderful. Thank you both for coming on.
AL-RAMAHI: Thank you, Becky.
ANDERSON: I will say it was a defining moment for us at CNN, working here in the UAE. Now, we've just actually delighted to take part.
(CROSSTALK)
WAHAB: Yes, you are the one -- though, you are the one we should be thanked during this big time, and you are just focusing on Special
Olympics, that's great.
ANDERSON: It's simple -- it's (INAUDIBLE), it's just important, and that's the way it is. Thank you, guys.
AL-RAMAHI: Thank you, Becky.
WAHAB: Thank you.
AL-RAMAHI: Thank you so much for having us.
ANDERSON: The Special Olympics also showcasing a number of global artists. That -- what was the opening ceremony like these guys?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That were in the Olympic stadium right now.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're seeing how many chairs there are here and a little bit off round.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Completely.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The international pop group Now United we're blown away by the event and their experience in this part of the world. So much so, they are
now launching a search for the next member of that group from right here in the Middle East.
We talked to two members of the group, up next
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:41:42]
DAVIES: Welcome back to our Connect The World Formula 1 special. I'm Amanda Davies live in the Paddock. Just about half an hour after the
checkered flag has fallen, for the final time in this 2019 Formula One season. It is the six-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, celebrating race
victory number 11 of this season.
The party has started as you can see here in the Paddock. The stars house in full. Steven Seagal is just walked pass. Have got Hermann Tilke, the
gentleman who designed not only this circuit here in Abu Dhabi but so many of the more recent iconic tracks on the Formula One calendar just to my
right-hand side here.
But this is a race that so often brings to an end some chapters and begins a few more. For example, today, we are bidding farewell to Nico
Hulkenberg. After 10 years as a Formula One driver, he has driven his last race here for Renault. And his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, this time last
year was celebrating the end of his era with Red Bull before joining the team who was so standout in their bright yellow and black kits.
So, it's fair to say, it's been something of a mixed first season for him at Renault. Up and down, he's never a boring individual to speak to
though. So entertaining as ever when I got the chance to sit down to him - - sit down with him and reflect on the 12 months there's been.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DANIEL RICCIARDO, PROFESSIONAL RACING DRIVER, FORMULA ONE, RENAULT F1 TEAM: I'm happy that it's done. To be honest, it's -- yes, I love racing, and I
love all of this. But we started in February and it's this takes us through to December now. So, it's long, you know, it's long and people
might be like, yes, well, I work February through to December's all.
But yes, you probably wake up in your own bed every day and travel 10 minutes to work when we travel tens of thousands of kilometers a year. So,
yes, that's -- that part's exhausting. So, I'm ready to have a break.
DAVIES: There was such a high, wasn't there? There was so much excitement ahead of you joining the team. Has there been any points where there's
been a bit of a -- you know, a calm down but disappointments?
RICCIARDO: There's been -- I mean, certainly some races, yes, like if especially if we're not in the points, you know, that's where it's like OK,
we've still got a lot of work to do. And you might have one weekend where we're like fifth or six. And you're like, oh, we're there. And the next
weekend you're 12 see like okay we're not there so yeah you have this and you have those moments where it's like, OK, it's, I guess, it's a reality
of, OK, it's not going to come easy.
DAVIES: Has the pressure cranked up particularly in recent times with McLaren and Toro Rosso reaching the podium?
RICCIARDO: Yes, that was -- it's been a crazy year. Like can you see you see the yeah the podium in Hockenheim and now in Brazil. I think it's
great for the sport, but of course, we wish we were the ones getting the podium.
So, it's frustrating as competitors, but for the sport it's good. And you know what, it's sometimes it might be the kick up the backside that we
need, you know, it's like, OK, well, they've done it, we can do it, and now we need to do it.
DAVIES: I was there in Austin though when I saw you get out the car and you were one of the first to go over and congratulate Lewis on his sixth
title. How special is that?
[10:45:09]
RICCIARDO: He's expected to win, you know. So, there is a pressure on him to win all the time now. And so, for him to keep winning with that
pressure, that's something in itself. So, yes, you know. Do I still think I can beat him? Yes, you know, but does he deserve respect and appraisal?
Yes, he does, of course.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
DAVIES: Well, Ricciardo's teammate next season is Esteban Ocon. And for the last 12 months, he has had a real chance to get up close with Lewis to
find out just how Lewis does what Lewis does. Whilst he hasn't been a main driver himself, he's been the Mercedes reserve team driver. So, that means
he's been able to pick up a few tips of the trade from not only Lewis but also his teammate Valtteri Bottas and team principal, Toto Wolff.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ESTEBAN OCON, RESERVE DRIVER, FORMULA ONE, MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS MOTORSPORT: They're just hungry all the time for winning. And yes, I
mean, you don't find that to -- and to some athletes or some people, you know, really the -- if anything is a race, you know, with Toto, anything
you can do, you wants to compete, you know.
DAVIES: They're two very different people, two very different personalities, two very different drivers.
OCON: Yes.
DAVIES: Are there different bits you've taken from each of them?
OCON: Yes, yes. I've learned a bit more from Lewis. Definitely, he's a very quick guy and his mind, you know, he'd pick up stuff very quickly, and
he has really takes the time you know to work properly. But as soon as this is done, he won't waste any time to switch off on -- switch on, on
something else, you know. And the way he organized his life is he has a lot to do, and it's very efficient. And I found that pretty interesting,
you know.
DAVIES: So, from saying that, do you think Lewis approaches this job, your job differently to a lot of the other drivers.
OCON: I think, yes as yes. Because he's life is so busy that he needs to do that something like that. But everything is very well organized. There
is a reason why he's the champion so many times, you know. He's a true champion and I think he will -- he will challenge again next year.
DAVIES: I know he was -- he's been a big advocate of yours, you know, throughout last season when there was a lot of speculation about your
future, were you going to get a drive, where you're not going to get a drive. What has he said to you about your career and the development of
your career?
OCON: Yes, we had a good chat a couple of months ago in a plane. And yes, he gave me great advice, you know, on these other aspects of the sports and
to have a chat with him for a couple of hours like that is priceless.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
DAVIES: He was giving nothing away about what those secrets were. But this is a sport that never sleeps. We may be celebrating the end of the
season, but Esteban is in the car phase, new team Renault on Tuesday. Testing gets underway as the race for 2020 begins in earnest.
Time to hand you back. So, Becky, across the Marina as the W Hotel.
ANDERSON: Thank you very much, indeed. A tale of two drivers there with Amanda. Well, we are smack bang in the middle of it. All the action here
at the W Abu Dhabi. The party going on behind me in the Marina has been going on all weekend. Of course, F1 is all about weekends of fun and
that's a similar story inside. I took a tour with a guy known as the W insider.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FAIEK EL SAADANI, GENERAL MANAGER, W ABU DHABI-YAS ISLAND: Very well welcome. This is near the living room and where all action happens. This
is the heart of W. This is all about dance, music, fashion, and fuel. But we don't do fuel today, it's all about the energy of the music.
We wanted to stay true to the narratives of Abu Dhabi. And you can see some of the features that you have seen here as the welcome desk, which are
a feature of an oil drop. You see the wall which is a feature of the diver holding the nose where go to dive for the pearl.
ANDERSON: How do you cope with the weekend like this? I mean, this is busy, right?
EL SAADANI: It is busy, and we look around doing 12 to 15,000 covers during this raise weekend.
ANDERSON: 12 to 15,000 covers this raise weekend.
EL SAADANI: The most important fashion point of W, which is the WET Deck.
ANDERSON: Look at this.
EL SAADINI: And that's the food party. And you have an unbelievable view at this time.
ANDERSON: It's not a quiet experience.
EL SAADINI: No, it's not.
ANDERSON: But we like it.
EL SAADINI: And this the only food party that the island have.
ANDERSON: Let me see the pool.
[10:50:01]
EL SAADINI: We have a D.J. in the middle, and you have a pool party, and that's the dance area.
Now, it's the happening, now it's the evening. So, that's where all the guests are coming and they want some action. So, I need to look after
them.
ANDERSON: I don't want to hold you up.
EL SAADINI: No, I know you have also some interview things to do.
ANDERSON: Yes.
EL SAADINI: Great meeting you. Thank you.
ANDERSON: Thank you very much.
EL SAADINI: (INAUDIBLE) Thank you.
ANDERSON: I'm going to let him go.
EL SAADINI: Thank you.
ANDERSON: And now this.
ESSA AL ANSARI, W INSIDER, W ABU DHABI-YAS ISLAND: Becky, let me show you how we party here at W Abu Dhabi-Yas Island. Follow me.
This is our WET Deck. Let's take a (INAUDIBLE) at (INAUDIBLE) lounge, come follow me. Let's check all the (INAUDIBLE) outside.
It's all, Becky, this is the place to be for the Formula One weekend. So, we're finishing off here with an amazing racetrack view. Come and join us
down the only place to be in Abu Dhabi.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Yes, so, it's the last line. Welcome back to CONNECT THE WORLD's Formula One Abu Dhabi special. We couldn't have a better spot for
you right here at the Yas Marina Circuit. The track next was still hot from the final race of the season. The action now on the yachts behind me.
Well, the greatest party on earth after an eye-popping race at the world's most expensive track at a Special Olympics this year that aim to be so
monumental in scope to really move the needle on the perception of people with disabilities.
Live that isn't enough, supercharged sports for one year. Just a stone's throw from here where we are now in Abu Dhabi, hosting one of the biggest
fights of the year. That was 2019 and that was Khabib Nurmagomedov, cementing his legacy as a man practically carved out of marble.
I caught up with him right before he jumped into the UFC ring with Dustin Poirier, have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV, LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION, ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP : -- he is going to be in my corner. And this has meant a lot for me and for
him too because like a lot of people see fighters, but they don't see coaches, you know. And I want people understand how great is my father.
ANDERSON: This is your first appearance since you were suspended after an -- after fight brawl, you jumped out of the Octagon and went after Conor
McGregor's coach and team. Why did you do it? And do you regret it?
NURMAGOMEDOV: Why I did this? I think this has shown me exactly who I am, you know. I stay relaxed, stay calm always with people. If people try to
give me respect, I'm going to give them respect. If they go crazy with me, I'm going to go crazy with them like more than these guys, you know.
And they think I'm just maybe UFC think I'm just nice guy or something like this. I'm nice guy who nice with me. If people not nice with me, I'm not
nice -- a nice guy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, Welcome back to CONNECT THE WORLD's Formula One special. The man himself was back here at this hotel just this afternoon. Now, you
may not know what my next guest looks like but you're sure know what he sounds like.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
[10:55:01]
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Left's lock, left's lock, left's lock, left's lock.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Left's lock, left's lock, left's lock -- (INAUDIBLE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The one, the only, the voice of UFC in the Middle East, commentator Mohammed Al Hosani. Welcome to my show, sir. They call you Mo
Rogan. What is that?
MOHAMMED AL HOSANI, EMIRATI UFC COMMENTATOR: I know. That was a good introduction, by the way. I like that.
ANDERSON: Thank you. Thank you.
AL HOSANI: That was probably the best introduction anyone did for me. So, yes. So, Rogan came because at the time in 2010, nobody was familiar with
the sport around here in terms of broadcasting.
So, I was the first guy to do some commentating for mixed martial arts and the UFC. And people may know Joe Rogan because he's one of the most famous
personalities in MMA. So, it just don't stop.
ANDERSON: You've been at this for some -- for some 10 years as I understand it. Just walk off viewers through what goes in to come into --
commentating on a UFC fights. As far -- as far as I understand it, what -- I mean, you know, it makes sense, I guess, there is no script, right?
AL HOSANI: Not at all, actually. We had to make up the terms -- you know, as we went on. The terms were not created back in the day. It was all in
English, so we had to create some terms that the Arab audience will be comfortable with. Especially for sport that's very new to the -- to the
region.
You know, many people don't know this but, you know, Abu Dhabi has a rich history with mixed martial arts. People -- may be in modern history, I'm
not going to talk about ancient history, obviously.
But with modern history, the UFC came to the region because Abu Dhabi has a rich history when it comes to MMA in the mid to late 90s. And that's one
of the big -- money obviously is a big reason as well. But there is all -- there is also a history when it comes to building this --
(CROSSTALK)
ANDERSON: Yes, and jiu-jitsu is absolutely huge.
AL HOSANI: Yes.
ANDERSON: Look, I mean, we're going to have to take a very short break to pay for this show. Of course, that's what we do. But very briefly, do you
fight yourself?
AL HOSANI: I trained, but I don't fight.
ANDERSON: Excellent. Why would you? Absolute pleasure having you on.
AL HOSANI: Same here.
ANDERSON: Thank you.
AL HOSANI: I'm honored. Thank you.
ANDERSON: Joining me tonight on what is our special F1 show live here from the Marina. Lots of action ahead. But that is the end of the first half
of what is a two-hour show of CONNECT THE WORLD with some fireworks. Because well, why not?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
