Jeremy Clarkson defends Lewis Hamilton after Richard Hammond ‘never met him’ moment

Jeremy Clarkson has leapt to the defence of Lewis Hamilton, after an awkward moment ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix which also involved Richard Hammond, Clarkson’s former ‘Top Gear’ colleague.

Hamilton was left bemused when played a supportive video message from Hammond, Hamilton remarking that he had “never met him”. Clarkson responded to the footage, clarifying that Hammond never met the ‘Top Gear’ guests, a show which Hamilton appeared on twice before.

Jeremy Clarkson explains why Lewis Hamilton never met Richard Hammond

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Hamilton and his Ferrari team are in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, Round 2 of the F1 2026 season.

Ahead of the race weekend, Hamilton attended an event hosted by Ferrari’s long-term partner, Shell.

A clip from that went viral on social media, one where Richard Hammond appeared, at the request of “the folks at Shell Helix”. He gave Hamilton a “good luck” message for the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix.

Hamilton’s response was one of laughter, as he queried why Hammond had been chosen to send that message, as he had “never met him before”.

“He’s a Shell ambassador?” Hamilton also questioned on Hammond, the host confirming that the brand is working with him.

Clarkson has left a reply to that social media footage, as he clarified Hamilton’s comment that he never met Hammond.

“In Lewis’s defence, James and Richard never met the guests,” said Clarkson.

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Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May formed an iconic trio as the hosts of ‘Top Gear’, during what was a golden era for the hit TV show.

Indeed, when guests appeared on Top Gear, they would only speak with Clarkson in the studio, not Hammond or May.

It makes sense therefore, from what Clarkson says, that Hamilton would not have actually met Hammond as part of the show.

Hamilton twice appeared on Top Gear, first in 2007, his rookie F1 year, and again in 2013. Both times, he got behind the wheel of the Suzuki Liana, as part of the F1 ‘Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car’ segment.

Hamilton’s 1:42.9, clocked in his second Top Gear appearance, proved the second-fastest time, a final leaderboard headed by Daniel Ricciardo’s 1:42.2.

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