Original hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond reunited on Wednesday for the premiere of the new series of The Grand Tour, marking the official handover to the show's new presenting trio. The Prime Video hit is set to return for its next season on Friday, with viral train-spotter Francis Bourgeois, YouTuber James Engelsman, and motoring journalist Thomas Holland taking the reins.
The reunion took place at The Tower of London, where the veteran presenters posed for a selfie with the incoming hosts. Clarkson, who also hosts Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, shared the image on Instagram with the caption, "Grand Tour handover. Good luck guys." He also shared his blunt advice for the new team, reportedly telling them "not to f**k it up."
The outgoing hosts, who first gained widespread fame on the BBC's Top Gear, stepped down from The Grand Tour in 2024 after six series. Their final run concluded with the special "One for the Road." Clarkson, May, and Hammond had worked together for over two decades, first on Top Gear and then on The Grand Tour, which premiered on Prime Video in 2016.
Despite their departure as main presenters, the original trio will make cameo appearances in the new series. Andy Wilman, who continues as a consultant, confirmed that Clarkson will appear from his Diddly Squat farm, Hammond from his workshop, and May from his pub. Wilman stated that these appearances are intended to provide advice to the new hosts, positioning the original presenters as "retired veterans."
Clarkson expressed confidence in the new hosts, telling them during the premiere, "I've actually been watching what they've been up to for the past year and a half, and they're very, very good. You're gonna love it." He added, "Have fun with this. Good luck. Don't f*** it up."
Fans have responded positively to the first trailer for the new season, sharing their excitement online. Many expressed hope that the new trio will succeed, with some noting that the blessing from Clarkson, May, and Hammond adds to their anticipation. The trailer featured humorous moments, including Bourgeois struggling with a car reveal and May's comical attempt to get into a kayak.
The new presenters will tackle a range of automotive challenges and questions in their first series. These include a road trip across Colorado in Japanese microcars, an investigation into the most unbreakable car in history, and a comparison of car speeds against fighter jets in California. They will also explore car culture in Malaysia and journey through Angola in unsuitable vehicles.
Guest appearances in the new season are set to include Jenson Button, the Formula 1 World Champion, alongside the original Grand Tour hosts. The series will see the new team travel to various international locations, including California and Malaysia.
Clarkson's Farm has remained a successful factual entertainment series for Prime Video, while Hammond and May have pursued separate television and online projects. Clarkson recently disclosed his battle with cancer. He previously advised that new hosts should be "absolute petrol heads" with an encyclopedic knowledge of cars, suggesting that starting small with unknowns, similar to how their own careers began, would be the ideal approach.