The Grand Tour is returning for its seventh series, but with a completely new presenting lineup. Amazon Prime confirmed that the show will premiere on September 4, 2026, with three online influencers taking over from Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, who retired in 2024.
New Presenters Revealed
The new hosts are James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, creators of the popular YouTube channel Throttle House, known for track tests, car reviews, and adventures. Joining them is Francis Bourgeois, a 26-year-old trainspotting Instagram icon with 2.7 million followers, who recently began posting car content. Bourgeois promoted the show with a photo of his head on a gear stick, captioning it: "Same show. New knobs."
Fan Reactions Divided
The new lineup has sparked mixed reactions. One fan wrote: "Hoping they do a sort of 'passing the torch' episode. I'll give the new show a shot. Love the train dude lol." Another said: "The throttle guys are awesome too. They may have actually cooked with this trio." A follower joked: "They should film the segments around Chipping Norton and have Clarkson kicking off at them in his tractor!" However, some were less convinced. One said: "Thanks, I'll continue to rewatch Hammond, Clarkson and May on my Plex server." Another added: "No one is going to be better than Clarkson, Hammond and May... No chance." A third commented: "It's not Top Gear or The Grand Tour without Clarkson, Hammond and May. Stop trying to reinvent the wheel. The format isn't the show, those three ARE the show." While a fourth said: "Yes, they should never make The Grand Tour or Top Gear again. Make something else."
Clarkson's Advice and Amazon's Decision
In 2024, when the original trio retired, Clarkson, now 66, advised Amazon: "For heaven's sake, do not get well known people who 'like' cars. Because when you do that show it has to be your life." He suggested finding "three complete unknowns" who are "absolute petrolheads" and motoring journalists. It appears Amazon may have followed his advice by selecting Throttle House creators, who are established car enthusiasts, and Bourgeois, who brings a unique perspective.
The new six-part series will air on Amazon Prime from September 4.
