Richard Hammond, the beloved motoring presenter and former Top Gear star, has finally broken his silence about the uncertain future of The Grand Tour following co-host Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff's horrific high-speed crash that left the cricket legend with severe facial injuries.
The Incident That Changed Everything
During filming at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey last December, Flintoff's Morgan Super 3 three-wheeler flipped at approximately 130mph while travelling on the test track. The terrifying incident resulted in Flintoff being airlifted to hospital with multiple broken ribs and significant facial injuries that required extensive medical treatment.
"It wasn't our choice," Hammond revealed during an emotional discussion about the show's hiatus. "We effectively got cancelled." The 54-year-old presenter confirmed that the decision to pause production came directly from Amazon, who expressed understandable concerns about continuing the high-octane programme after such a serious accident.
An Uncertain Road Ahead
Hammond expressed deep uncertainty about whether the iconic motoring show would ever return to screens, telling fans: "I don't know if we'll make any more." The admission comes as a devastating blow to millions of viewers who have followed the trio's automotive adventures since their Top Gear days.
The presenter, who himself survived a near-fatal 320mph crash in 2006, spoke with particular empathy about Flintoff's recovery journey. "He's a bloody lucky bloke," Hammond stated, acknowledging the severity of his co-host's injuries while expressing relief that the outcome wasn't even more tragic.
A Changing Landscape for Motoring Television
The future of The Grand Tour remains shrouded in mystery, with Hammond, Flintoff, and Jeremy Clarkson's last special, 'The Grand Tour: Sand Job,' airing in February. Industry insiders suggest that the format of automotive entertainment may need to evolve significantly following this incident and increasing safety concerns.
Flintoff has since made a gradual return to public life, recently being spotted at cricket matches and slowly resuming his broadcasting career. However, the emotional and physical scars from the crash continue to impact all involved, raising fundamental questions about risk management in entertainment production.
As fans worldwide await official confirmation about the show's fate, Hammond's candid comments represent the most substantial update yet about one of television's most successful motoring franchises and its potentially dramatic conclusion.
