The Grand Tour, the Amazon show created for the Top Gear guys after Top Gear fell apart, is getting a new host crew now that Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond have moved on to other things. The new GT hosts are Thomas Holland and James Engelsman from Throttle House, and Francis Bourgeois, who has become an internet icon through his trainspotting TikTok page and sartorial whimsy. I'm guessing many readers of The Drive are already familiar with Throttle House, but if you're not, it's a really solid car-review YouTube channel where Holland and Engelsman do enthusiast-focused test drives with a conversational and energetic presentation style.
Bourgeois might seem like more of a wildcard, but he's the perfect third-guy in this lineup for a few critical reasons - he's already internet-famous with people who definitely have not watched The Grand Tour already, so good potential to bring in a new audience. He's captivating because of the way he manages to be simultaneously extremely dorky and very cool. How many people can sit at a train station with a GoPro on their heads and also get a modeling deal with Gucci?
The dude is unique, to say the least. But what really clinches him as a great choice to round out the trio is his genuine enthusiasm and on-camera attitude. He gets so hyped when he sees a train he likes.
I mean, it's simply delightful to watch. The Grand Tour made the announcement early this morning with a very on-the-nose video of Clarkson literally rubber-stamping the new dudes with his approval, which will hopefully ease the transition for those who are unsure about a new gang. Personally, I'm optimistic that this could be the best version of the show yet.
Launch date is just listed as '2026' for now.
With Jeremy Clarkson's departure, The Grand Tour has an opportunity to refresh its format and attract a new audience. This new cast brings a unique blend of car expertise and internet charm that could revitalize the show.
