Richard Hammond returns to racing in Workshop series 4 - 'it's a peaceful time'

Virgin Radio

27 Aug 2024, 15:17

Richard Hammond revs up his engines and returns to the race track in the latest season of Richard Hammond’s Workshop, where he rediscovers his love for speed and classic cars.

Richard Hammond, the pint-sized motoring legend, is back and this time he's not just tinkering with old motors—he’s putting the pedal to the metal and getting back into racing.

In the fourth series of Richard Hammond’s Workshop, which airs on Discovery+, the former Top Gear host is revving up for a return to the racetrack, proving that you can take the man out of the car, but you can’t take the car out of the man.

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This new series sees Hammond steering his business, The Smallest Cog, through the twists and turns of restoring classic cars while reigniting his passion for racing.

"I totally love it," Hammond shared exclusively to virginradio.co.uk about his need for speed. "I needed a reminder as to why I'd started the business... these machines that move us about the place physically and enable our lives. They're thrilling."

For Hammond, who’s spent decades behind the wheel of some of the world’s most iconic cars, the track is a place of zen.

"It's actually peaceful time," he confessed. "In the car, it's in this weirdly... quiet, peaceful time. I'm away from all the concerns of running the business or being on TV or family life."

In the candid chat, Hammond revealed that when he’s in the cockpit of a race car, the world fades away.

"Nobody can get to you because you're in a race car, so you're on your own." It’s a stark contrast to the chaos of running a workshop, and Hammond is soaking up every second of it.

But don’t think for a moment that this is just a hobby—Hammond is serious about getting back into the racing game, even if his colleague Anthony is still faster than him.

"Anthony's done a fair bit now, and it's still being faster than me, which is annoying," he quipped.

Hammond’s return to the track is just one part of his journey in the latest season of Richard Hammond’s Workshop.

The series isn’t just about fixing up old motors; it’s about Hammond fixing up his mojo, which has taken a bit of a knock from the ups and downs of running a business.

The season’s synopsis teases: "Morale is at an all-time low." But help is on the way in the form of Patrick Blakeney-Edwards, a successful owner of a high-end motorsport outfit.

Inspired by Patrick, Hammond decides to take a more hands-on approach—literally—by becoming Cog Racing’s new driver.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Hammond show without a bit of drama and a few breathtaking machines.

Among the highlights this season are an Aston Martin Lagonda, destined for a shocking pink respray, and a stylish Lancia Fulvia, which serves as a moving tribute to its recently deceased owner.

Then there’s the Porsche 944, made drivable for its one-armed owner—a reminder that these cars aren’t just objects; they’re part of people’s lives.

But the crown jewel of the season has to be the restoration of a Rolls Royce Wraith, once owned by Viscount Montgomery.

This priceless piece of history needs to be in tip-top shape for its journey to Normandy, where it will take part in the D-Day 80 celebrations. It’s a fitting challenge for Hammond, who’s no stranger to working under pressure.

Yet, despite the high stakes and the constant demands of the workshop, Hammond seems to have found a sense of peace in his new role as a business owner.

Reflecting on his decision to start the workshop, Hammond admitted: "I don't know why we do it... When you're running a business... it’s real. You're actually in it."

Unlike his days on Top Gear, where the goal was to entertain and commentate, Hammond is now right in the thick of things, making decisions that have real consequences.

Richard Hammond’s Workshop S4 airs weekly on Mondays from August 26th on Discovery+.