Imagine your heart racing as you watch a young driver, the daughter of a legendary TV presenter, careen into a concrete wall at high speed. This was the terrifying reality for Izzy Hammond, daughter of Richard Hammond, during a Formula E event in Jeddah. But here's where it gets even more gripping: despite the severity of the crash, Izzy walked away unharmed, leaving fans and family alike breathing a collective sigh of relief. And this is the part most people miss—her experience not only highlights the thrill of racing but also opens up a broader conversation about the future of motorsports and the role of influencers in shaping it.
Izzy, a 25-year-old journalist and YouTuber, was participating in a special Formula E Evo Session in Saudi Arabia, an event designed to showcase the world’s most influential digital creators behind the wheel of the cutting-edge GEN3 Evo car. The goal? To spark excitement for Formula E among new audiences. Following in her father’s tire tracks—Richard Hammond, famously known for his role in the BBC’s Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May—Izzy took on the challenge of competitive racing as part of Team Senor Frogs, joined by fellow influencers like Ethan Payne (Behzinga) and William Lenney (WillNe).
Things took a dramatic turn at turn 13 when Izzy’s car failed to slow down, leading to a high-impact crash into a concrete wall. The force was so intense that a wheel came off, and the front wing buckled inward. Yet, in a remarkable turn of events, Izzy emerged unscathed, immediately reassuring her team over the radio with a repeated, 'I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine.' Later, on Instagram, she candidly shared her experience, admitting, 'I crashed the f*** out of the car,' and humorously reflecting, 'Now I can say I'm a proper racing driver because I've had a monumental crash.'
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Izzy’s crash was undoubtedly scary, it also raises questions about the risks influencers take to generate content. Is the thrill of motorsports worth the potential danger, especially for those not traditionally trained as professional racers? And how does this blend of entertainment and competition shape the future of sports like Formula E?
The Evo Sessions, as explained by Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds, aim to bring motorsport to new audiences through a competitive format that’s 'authentic, exciting, and bold.' This year’s event featured a star-studded lineup of content creators, including Joshua Larkin (TheBurntChip), Arthur Frederick (ArthurTV), Vikram Singh Barn (Vikkstar), Khaby Lame, and Emelia Hartford, among others. Their involvement underscores Formula E’s strategy to attract a younger, digitally savvy fanbase.
Izzy’s crash, while alarming, pales in comparison to the life-threatening accidents her father endured. In 2006, Richard Hammond suffered a severe brain injury after crashing a dragster capable of speeds over 300mph, leaving him in a coma for two weeks. A decade later, in 2017, he was airlifted to a hospital following another terrifying crash in Switzerland while filming The Grand Tour. Izzy’s close call serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in racing, even in controlled environments.
So, here’s the question for you: As motorsports increasingly intersect with influencer culture, are we witnessing a thrilling evolution or a risky gamble? Do events like the Evo Sessions genuinely expand the sport’s appeal, or do they prioritize spectacle over safety? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
