Jeremy Clarkson, former presenter of The Grand Tour, has weighed in on the new presenting trio taking over the iconic Prime Video motoring series. This year, The Grand Tour returns with fresh faces: Francis Bourgeois alongside Throttle House’s James Engelsman and Thomas Holland.
The upcoming six-episode season promises globe-trotting adventures across some of the world’s most challenging terrains. The new hosts will tackle car enthusiasts’ most intriguing and occasionally absurd questions about modern motoring.
Clarkson expressed his approval of the new team on The Grand Tour’s official Instagram, sharing amusing anecdotes from the selection process. He humorously dismissed applicants including James May (identified by his beard) and others based on seemingly trivial factors like height. Ultimately, Clarkson praised Holland’s confident but flexible opinions, and gave a nod to Bourgeois and Engelsman, concluding “Let’s get them in. They look good.”
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Despite Clarkson’s endorsement, devoted fans of the original trio—Clarkson, May, and Hammond—have voiced doubts. Comments on social media reveal a mix of disappointment and skepticism. Many believe the new lineup “won’t be the same,” with some pointing out that the original hosts were the key reason for their loyalty. One user pointedly observed, “Remember when everyone stopped watching Top Gear after the trio left? Almost like they were the reason we watched these shows.”
Others expressed hope. Some viewers urge open-mindedness toward the new dynamic, emphasizing that the fresh trio brings unique chemistry rather than imitating their predecessors. Supporters have also noted that producer Andy Wilman and Clarkson remain involved, suggesting continuity behind the scenes.
Producer Wilman asserted his confidence in the new hosts: “We are properly happy to hand over the baton to Thomas, James and Francis, because quite simply—they are doing it right. Not only do they have passion and knowledge, but more importantly, they are in no way cardboard cutouts of the old three. They have a delightful chemistry all of their own making.”
The Grand Tour is set to premiere its new season in 2026 on Prime Video. Whether longtime fans will embrace the revamped lineup remains to be seen, but the show is ready to embark on a new journey.