Richard Hammond’s most infamous and serious crash during The Grand Tour occurred during filming for the “Swiss Alps Special” (Season 2, Episode 1). The incident involved his electric Rimac Concept One supercar, resulting in a fiery wreck and significant injuries for Hammond.
The Catastrophe in Switzerland: A Detailed Account
The backdrop of the Swiss Alps, intended to showcase the beauty of electric hypercars, quickly became a scene of horrifying reality. The “Swiss Alps Special” aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of the Rimac Concept One, alongside the Honda NSX and Lamborghini Aventador S. Hammond, notorious for his high-speed antics, was pushing the Rimac hard on a hill climb.
The crash occurred during a practice run. Hammond, just after crossing the finish line on a closed road, lost control of the Rimac. The car veered off course, plummeted down a steep embankment, and flipped multiple times before coming to rest upside down. The Rimac, being an electric vehicle, immediately caught fire due to the damaged battery pack.
The severity of the crash was immediately apparent. Fellow presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May rushed to the scene, fearing the worst. Thankfully, Hammond was extracted from the wreckage by paramedics before the fire fully engulfed the car. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital and later transferred to a larger hospital in St. Gallen.
The initial diagnosis revealed a fractured knee, requiring surgery, and other minor injuries. While the Rimac was completely destroyed, the most important thing was Hammond’s survival. The entire incident cast a shadow over the filming of the “Swiss Alps Special” and led to a period of reflection for the presenters and the show’s producers regarding safety protocols.
The Aftermath: Recovery and Reflections
Following the crash, Hammond underwent knee surgery and a period of rehabilitation. His recovery was documented in subsequent episodes of The Grand Tour, with the presenters humorously acknowledging the incident while also emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The crash prompted a thorough investigation into its causes. While the exact contributing factors remained somewhat unclear, it was generally attributed to a combination of factors, including the high speed, the challenging road conditions, and potentially some element of driver error.
The incident also raised questions about the safety of electric supercars, particularly concerning battery fires in crash situations. Rimac, as the manufacturer of the vehicle, cooperated with the investigation and implemented safety improvements in subsequent models.
Ultimately, Richard Hammond made a full recovery and returned to filming The Grand Tour. The crash served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in high-speed driving and the importance of prioritizing safety. It also highlighted the resilience and camaraderie between the three presenters, who supported Hammond throughout his recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning Richard Hammond’s crash on The Grand Tour:
H3: Was the crash shown on screen?
No, the actual crash footage was not shown in the “Swiss Alps Special” or any other episode of The Grand Tour. The show did include footage of the aftermath, including the wreckage of the Rimac and the presenters’ reactions, but the decision was made to not show the crash itself out of respect for Hammond and the sensitivity of the situation.
H3: What kind of car was Richard Hammond driving when he crashed?
He was driving a Rimac Concept One, an electric hypercar known for its incredible power and acceleration. At the time, it was considered one of the most advanced and powerful electric vehicles in the world.
H3: Where exactly did the crash occur?
The crash happened in Switzerland, on a closed road used for a hill climb competition. The specific location was in the canton of St. Gallen.
H3: What injuries did Richard Hammond sustain?
He suffered a fractured knee, requiring surgery, and some other minor injuries. Thankfully, he avoided any life-threatening injuries.
H3: Did anyone else get hurt in the crash?
No, Richard Hammond was the only person injured in the crash. No bystanders or other members of the crew were involved.
H3: Was the Rimac Concept One completely destroyed?
Yes, the Rimac Concept One was completely destroyed in the crash. The fire caused significant damage, rendering the car beyond repair.
H3: What caused the Rimac to catch fire?
The Rimac caught fire due to damage to its battery pack during the crash. Electric vehicles have high-voltage battery systems that can pose a fire risk if damaged in an accident.
H3: Did the crash delay the filming of The Grand Tour?
Yes, the crash caused a delay in the filming schedule of The Grand Tour. Hammond’s recovery period meant that production had to be paused while he recuperated.
H3: Did Richard Hammond ever drive a Rimac again?
While he hasn’t driven the Concept One again on the show (for obvious reasons), he has driven other electric vehicles and generally doesn’t show any signs of trauma or aversion to them. It’s a topic often joked about with his co-hosts.
H3: Did the crash affect the relationship between the three presenters?
The crash seemed to strengthen the bond between the three presenters. Clarkson and May were visibly shaken by the incident and provided support to Hammond throughout his recovery.
H3: What safety measures were implemented after the crash?
Following the crash, The Grand Tour implemented even stricter safety protocols during filming, including more thorough track inspections, enhanced emergency response procedures, and increased safety briefings for the presenters. Rimac also made improvements to battery safety in their subsequent models.
H3: What was the episode rating of the “Swiss Alps Special”?
While specific ratings are difficult to pinpoint due to the nature of streaming viewership, the “Swiss Alps Special” received generally positive reviews from critics and viewers, although the crash incident inevitably dominated the discussion. The episode is remembered more for the accident than the cars it featured.