Richard Hammond: Beyond The Grand Tour in 2026
Introduction: A Television Icon Transitions
Richard Mark Hammond, born 19 December 1969, is an English broadcaster, journalist, and author who co-hosted the BBC Two motoring programme Top Gear from 2002 until 2015 with Jeremy Clarkson and James May. From 2016 to 2024, the trio presented Amazon Prime Video’s The Grand Tour. As Hammond embarks on new ventures in 2026, his enduring influence on automotive entertainment and his evolution beyond traditional broadcasting remain significant for fans and industry observers alike.
Nostalgic Return to Top Gear Studio
After hanging up their The Grand Tour driving gloves, it appears that Richard Hammond and James May have become all nostalgic about their careers in motoring television, returning to the Top Gear studio nearly a decade after they left the iconic BBC show to launch their Amazon Prime Video series. In a video for May’s YouTube channel, Hammond and his co-star walked the grounds of Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, home to the Top Gear race track and other facilities. The emotional reunion highlighted their 12-year spell on the programme that propelled them to international stardom.
New Business Ventures and Projects
Hawkridge Distillers has collaborated with The Grand Tour presenter Richard Hammond to craft a gin and single malt English whisky, with the two spirits—Ratio Gin and Iron Ridge whisky—fusing Hammond’s distinctive adventurous flair with Hawkridge’s time-honoured craftsmanship. Hammond is the final of The Grand Tour trio to have entered the drinks industry, with his co-star May boasting a range of gins under his name, while Clarkson owns a collection of beers and ciders under his Hawkstone brand. Additionally, Hammond called in some help to upgrade his Ford Mustang Dark Horse, with a 48-hour deadline looming to transform the muscle car into a supercharged, 815-horsepower monster.
Continuing Grand Tour Legacy
All three Grand Tour specials are expected to be released in 2026, with fans treated to seeing the famous presenting trio once more. Meanwhile, Porsche called in former Top Gear and The Grand Tour host Richard Hammond to help preview its crucial new all-electric Cayenne SUV, with Hammond using a camouflaged prototype to tow his own classic car more than 160km. These projects demonstrate Hammond’s continued relevance in the automotive world despite stepping back from regular television commitments.
Conclusion: A Legacy Evolving
Richard Hammond’s transition from full-time television presenter to entrepreneur and brand ambassador represents a natural evolution for one of motoring entertainment’s most recognisable figures. His ventures into spirits, automotive partnerships, and selective media appearances ensure his influence endures well beyond The Grand Tour’s conclusion. For fans worldwide, Hammond’s ability to balance nostalgia with innovation offers both comfort and excitement as he charts this new chapter in his remarkable career.