Jeremy Clarkson Takes Fresh Swipe at James May in Classic Banter.
Jeremy Clarkson has never been one to hold back when a cheeky comment presents itself—and his latest jab was aimed directly at an old friend and colleague: James May.
The pair, who alongside Richard Hammond formed one of television’s most iconic presenting trios, spent over two decades working together on BBC’s Top Gear and later Prime Video’s The Grand Tour. Their chemistry—equal parts camaraderie, rivalry, and humor—was the heart of both shows. Now, even with The Grand Tour officially concluded after last year’s Zimbabwe and Botswana special One For The Road, Clarkson and May continue to entertain fans with their trademark banter.
The Setup: Social Media Confusion
The most recent exchange unfolded on X (formerly Twitter) after Clarkson addressed a political post from an account falsely posing as the official Clarkson’s Farm page. The Amazon Prime hit series, which follows Clarkson’s adventures as a novice farmer in Oxfordshire, has a massive following—but with that popularity comes impersonators.
Clarkson, 65, was quick to set the record straight.
“If you are going to post political opinions, be good enough to say that you have nothing to do with me, my farm or my TV show,” he wrote.
The statement quickly attracted replies, including one fan who commented on the odd nature of online impersonation:
“Strange place the internet isn’t it. What goes through someone’s mind to think, ‘oh, I like that show or person, I am going to pretend to be them’?”
Clarkson’s Punchline
Clarkson saw the perfect opportunity to turn the conversation into a punchline—at James May’s expense.
“There was someone once pretending to be James May,” he quipped.
“They could have gone for Robert Downey Junior or Judi Dench. But for some reason…”
The dry humor landed exactly as expected: a mix of laughter, groans, and applause from fans who have grown to love the constant teasing among the former Top Gear trio.
Banter That Never Ends
This isn’t the first time Clarkson has fired a shot at May, nor is it likely to be the last. Since the conclusion of The Grand Tour, all three presenters—Clarkson, May, and Hammond—have gone their separate ways professionally but continue to trade lighthearted insults in interviews and on social media.
May, nicknamed “Captain Slow” for his deliberate driving style and meticulous personality, has long been the subject of Clarkson’s jokes. Whether it’s poking fun at May’s cautious approach to car stunts or his fondness for classical music, Clarkson rarely misses a chance to rib his old friend.
Yet, behind the playful digs is a relationship built on mutual respect and enduring friendship. The trio’s chemistry was forged over decades of international adventures, countless broken-down vehicles, and more than a few near-disasters caught on camera.
Fans Still Love It
For fans, these exchanges are more than just casual banter—they are reminders of a golden era of motoring television. With Top Gear struggling to recover from the presenters’ departure years ago and The Grand Tour now wrapped, Clarkson, Hammond, and May’s dynamic remains a cherished memory.
Social media has kept that spirit alive. Clarkson’s recent swipe sparked thousands of likes and retweets, with fans chiming in to continue the joke or beg for another reunion project. “We need more of this! Clarkson, Hammond, and May together again,” one commenter wrote, echoing a sentiment that refuses to fade even as each presenter pursues solo ventures.
Moving in Different Directions
Since The Grand Tour’s finale, the three presenters have focused on new projects. Clarkson has leaned into farming with his Amazon hit Clarkson’s Farm, which has been renewed for a fifth season. May has pursued a mix of documentary work, including Our Man in Italy and Our Man in Japan, exploring culture and travel from his unique perspective. Hammond, meanwhile, has been working on car restoration projects and launching business ventures of his own.
Despite these separate paths, the trio’s legacy as one of television’s most entertaining ensembles remains firmly intact. And as Clarkson demonstrated with his quick jab, their banter is far from over.
A Friendship Told Through Insults
To outsiders, Clarkson’s swipe at May might seem harsh. But to longtime fans, it’s simply the continuation of a friendship defined by witty insults and humorous rivalry. The ability to poke fun at one another—without malice, but with razor-sharp timing—is part of what made the trio’s television run so beloved.
And if Clarkson’s latest comment proves anything, it’s that some jokes never get old.
