At the heart of Richard Hammond’s life is a story of family, resilience, and a passion for all things fast and exciting. As fans who have followed him through his many adventures on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, it’s always fascinating to dive into the personal side of the man affectionately known as “The Hamster.” Born on 19th December 1969 in Solihull, England, Richard’s roots have always been tied to the automotive world. His father ran a probate business in Ripon, North Yorkshire, where the family moved during Richard’s teenage years. Growing up surrounded by cars and engineering, it’s no wonder he developed such a deep connection to anything with wheels!
Family Life
Richard Hammond’s family life is as vibrant and unique as the man himself. Since May 2002, he’s been married to Amanda “Mindy” Etheridge, a journalist and columnist for the Daily Express. Together, they’ve built a wonderful family, with two daughters, Isabella and Willow, who share their love for adventure. And where do they live? In a mock castle, of course! Known as “Hammond Towers,” this stunning home in Herefordshire is just what you’d expect from someone as quirky and fun as Richard. It’s the perfect rural retreat, with enough space for a whole range of pets – three horses, four dogs, two cats, a rabbit, a dozen chickens, and even a sheep!
One of the best things about Richard is his sense of humour, and fans will love the story of how he got his famous nickname. It started with a joke about his first child and eventually became a running gag on Top Gear where everyone called him “The Hamster.” And while his onscreen antics are legendary, Richard has always made it clear that his family life comes first. Whether he’s sharing stories about the joys (and challenges!) of fatherhood or just spending time with Mindy and the girls, his love for his family shines through.
Interests and Hobbies
Beyond the cameras and fast cars, Richard’s interests are just as fascinating. Did you know he’s a pretty solid bass guitarist? He’s even jammed with his Top Gear mates on occasion, showing off his musical side. It’s fun to see how his love for music fits so naturally alongside his passion for cars—two worlds he often finds ways to connect.
And let’s not forget his love of animals. Living in the countryside with his family, Hammond’s home is a mini-farm, filled with a mix of traditional pets and farm animals. In a humorous video, he elaborated on his feelings, stating that he finds horses to be burdensome and believes they take away from personal relationships, particularly with his wife. He humorously lamented about the expenses and demands that come with owning horses, suggesting that they dominate the lives of their owners. So it’s probably safe to say that he won’t be visiting the best horse racing betting sites anytime soon.
Challenges and Resilience
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Richard. He’s faced some serious life-threatening moments over the years, including two major accidents that could have ended his career—or worse. In 2006, while filming a jet-powered dragster segment, Richard had a horrific crash that left him with severe brain injuries. Then, in 2017, another crash during The Grand Tour—this time in an electric supercar—pushed his resilience to the limit again. These incidents were hard to watch as fans, but they also revealed something powerful about Richard: his incredible determination and the strong support system he has in his family.
2006 Jet-Powered Dragster Crash
In September 2006, while filming for Top Gear, Hammond was involved in a near-fatal accident when the front-right tire of his jet-powered dragster, the Vampire, blew out at high speed. The vehicle, traveling at nearly 320 mph, spun out of control and rolled multiple times before coming to a stop. Witnesses described the terrifying scene as Hammond’s helmet became embedded in the ground during the roll, which forced soil into his mouth and caused damage to his left eye. He was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary, where he underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain caused by a blood clot. Remarkably, he did not suffer any broken bones but faced severe brain injuries that left him in a coma for two weeks and resulted in post-traumatic amnesia. Hammond’s recovery was closely monitored, and he experienced short-term memory loss, which affected his ability to recall recent conversations. However, he remained determined to return to television. Just ten days after the crash, he expressed a desire to get back behind the wheel, stating, “I just want to get back in the driving seat” 1. His prognosis was optimistic; doctors believed he would eventually return to his normal self with time and rehabilitation. By early 2007, only months after the incident, Hammond made his first public appearance on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, where he shared details of his recovery journey.
2017 Rimac Concept One Crash
Hammond faced another serious incident in June 2017 while filming The Grand Tour in Switzerland. He crashed a Rimac Concept One during a timed hill climb event. After crossing the finish line, the car ran off the road and tumbled down a hill before coming to rest upside down. Despite the severity of the crash, Hammond remained conscious throughout and later described feeling aware of the tumbling motion as he thought he was going to die. He was airlifted to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a tibial plateau fracture in his left knee and underwent surgery that involved inserting a plate and ten screws.
Recovery and Coping Mechanisms
In both instances, Hammond’s recovery was supported by his family and friends, which played a crucial role in his rehabilitation. He has spoken candidly about using “nerdy hobbies,” such as building Lego models, as therapeutic activities during his recovery from brain injury. This approach helped him regain focus and spatial awareness while providing a sense of accomplishment.
Through interviews, he’s shared how those crashes changed his outlook on life and brought him closer to Mindy and their daughters. He’s spoken openly about how the recovery process tested him emotionally and physically, but his family’s support got him through it. His journey through these challenges has inspired many, and it’s led him to champion brain injury awareness, becoming a voice for those going through similar experiences.
Community Engagement
Richard’s big heart doesn’t stop at his family. He’s also deeply involved in charity work, particularly with The Children’s Trust, a UK charity that helps children with brain injuries. It’s clear that his own experiences have made him passionate about giving back, and his work with the charity reflects his dedication to making a difference.
At the end of the day, what makes Richard Hammond so beloved by fans like us is not just his impressive career or death-defying stunts, but the real, down-to-earth person behind it all. His humour, love for his family, and resilience in the face of challenges have made him an inspiration both on and off-screen.