Richard Hammond Marks 20th Anniversary of Near‑Fatal Top Gear Crash
Richard Hammond commemorated the 20th anniversary of his 2006 Top Gear crash, sharing memories of the near‑fatal incident and expressing gratitude to the rescue and medical teams that saved his life. He also acknowledged the long‑term impact on his memory and highlighted the show’s upcoming return…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On 20 September 2024, former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond marked the twentieth anniversary of the 2006 crash that almost ended his life. The incident, which occurred while he was piloting a jet‑powered dragster at over 300 mph, left him air‑lifted to hospital and in a deep coma for weeks. In a candid Instagram post, Hammond reflected on the terrifying moments he felt he was about to die and thanked the emergency services, doctors and nurses who rescued and treated him.
What Happened in 2006
The crash took place on a private track in September 2006. Hammond was driving a high‑speed dragster when the vehicle veered off the course and overturned. He pulled a lever to deploy a parachute that could have slowed the car, but it was too late. The wreck was severe enough that rescuers had to free him from the twisted wreckage before he could be transported to the nearest hospital by helicopter.
After the accident, Hammond remained in a deep coma for several weeks. When he emerged, he faced a long road to recovery, including physical therapy and medical treatment. Despite the severity of his injuries, he returned to the studio of Top Gear in 2007, just four months after the crash, rejoining co‑hosts Jeremy Clarkson and James May. The trio even discussed the incident on air and reviewed footage of the crash before resuming their usual banter.
Hammond’s Anniversary Tribute
In his Instagram post, Hammond described the final moments of the crash as a feeling of inevitable death: "I didn’t scream. It wasn’t frightening. Honestly, the only way I can convey how those few, frantic, last moments felt is that it simply occurred to me that the next thing on my To‑Do list was to die." He then listed the names of the emergency workers, doctors and nurses who were instrumental in his survival, stating that without them he would not have had the chance to enjoy his career or raise his daughters.
Hammond’s gratitude extended beyond the rescue team. He thanked the medical staff who treated him at the hospital and highlighted the collective effort that "stuck me back together." The post was a reminder of the human cost behind the high‑speed spectacle of Top Gear and the real dangers faced by its presenters.
Long‑Term Effects on Hammond’s Health
More than a decade after the crash, Hammond has spoken publicly about the lasting impact on his memory. In a 2024 interview with The Sunday Times, he revealed that he has been experiencing "shaky" memory problems and that the accident had a "knock‑on effect" on his health. He has been discussing these issues with his family and has not ruled out ongoing medical support.
While Hammond’s memory challenges are a private matter, they underscore the broader conversation about the physical toll that high‑risk television production can take on its talent. The crash remains a stark reminder that the excitement of motorsport comes with real, sometimes life‑threatening, risks.
Top Gear’s Recent History and Future
Following Hammond’s return, the original trio of Clarkson, May and Hammond continued to host Top Gear until 2015. After Clarkson’s dismissal following a physical altercation with a producer, May and Hammond left the show in solidarity, launching the rival series The Grand Tour on Amazon Video. The Grand Tour aired until 2024, after which the BBC revived Top Gear in 2016 with a rotating lineup of hosts.
In 2022, another serious crash involving former England cricketer Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff brought the show to a halt. The BBC announced a four‑year hiatus, and in the last month of 2025 the network revealed that Top Gear will return next year with an as‑yet‑unannounced presenting line‑up. Hammond’s anniversary post coincides with this news, adding a layer of poignancy to the show’s impending revival.
What’s Next for Hammond and Top Gear
Hammond remains active on social media and continues to engage with fans, often reflecting on his past experiences. While he has not indicated a return to the studio, his public acknowledgment of the crash’s long‑term effects suggests he will continue to monitor his health closely.
For Top Gear, the upcoming relaunch presents an opportunity to honor the legacy of the original trio while introducing fresh talent. The BBC’s decision to keep the new line‑up undisclosed may be a strategic move to build anticipation, but it also signals a new chapter for the iconic automotive show.
As the anniversary passes, the story of Hammond’s crash serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of emergency response teams. It also highlights the ongoing conversation about safety in motorsport and television production, a conversation that will likely continue as Top Gear prepares to return to screens worldwide.
Key facts
- Hammond’s 2006 crash left him in a deep coma and caused long‑term memory issues
- He returned to Top Gear in 2007, just four months after the accident
- The crash highlighted the critical role of emergency and medical teams
- Top Gear has undergone several host changes and a four‑year hiatus after a 2022 crash
- The BBC plans to relaunch Top Gear next year with a new presenting line‑up
Why it matters
Hammond’s reflection brings attention to the real dangers behind high‑profile automotive shows and the lasting health impacts on presenters, while also marking the legacy of Top Gear as it prepares for a new era.
Frequently asked questions
What caused Richard Hammond’s crash in 2006?
While driving a jet‑powered dragster at over 300 mph, the vehicle veered off the track and overturned, leading to Hammond’s severe injuries.
Has Hammond spoken about long‑term effects of the crash?
Yes, in 2024 he revealed that the crash has caused memory problems that he continues to manage.
Will Hammond return to Top Gear?
There is no confirmed return; he remains a public figure but has not announced plans to rejoin the show.
When will Top Gear return?
The BBC announced the show will relaunch next year with a new presenting line‑up that has not yet been revealed.
