Izzy Hammond, the daughter of renowned former Top Gear star Richard Hammond, took part in a high-profile Formula E Evo Session in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. This event followed a double-header weekend of the main Formula E championship, the world's premier all-electric single-seater motorsport series, which is rapidly gaining popularity as it aims to rival the stature of Formula One in the future.
Expanding Motorsport Through Celebrity Involvement
Formula E has introduced Evo Sessions as a strategic initiative to broaden its appeal and attract new audiences. These sessions are designed as exclusive events where influential digital content creators and global personalities get behind the wheel of the advanced GEN3 Evo race car. The goal is to bring motorsport to untapped markets and engage millions of potential fans through authentic and exciting experiences.
Izzy Hammond's Thrilling Experience on the Track
During her drive around the Jeddah circuit, Izzy Hammond appeared to relish the opportunity, though she candidly expressed her nerves at one point, exclaiming, 'F***, this is scary!' After the session, she shared a photo on Instagram from inside the car, captioning it, 'THAT WAS WILD (CAR IS THE RIGHT WAY UP AND NOT ON FIRE).' Her participation highlights the growing trend of involving celebrities and content creators in motorsport to foster deeper connections with younger generations.
Formula E Leadership on Innovation and Growth
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds emphasized the pioneering nature of the Evo Sessions, stating, 'The Evo Sessions are about bringing motorsport to places where it hasn't been before. With a true competitive format, we are opening up Formula E to hundreds of millions of new fans – authentic, exciting and bold.' He added that this year's efforts have been intensified to create an unparalleled experience, positioning Formula E as a trailblazer in the industry.
Ellie Norman, Formula E's Chief Marketing Officer, reinforced this vision, noting, 'This is what the future of sport looks like. Content creators are how the new generation of fans discover and connect with sport.' She explained that evolving the Evo Sessions to collaborate with top content creators is crucial for growth, enabling the sport to reach new audiences and establish itself as the defining youth culture in motorsport.
Izzy Hammond's Rising Profile in Automotive Media
Izzy Hammond, one of Richard's two daughters from his previous marriage to Mindy, has carved out her own niche in the automotive world. After graduating from the University of Bristol with a BA in English in 2023, she has become a prominent racing journalist and YouTuber, often appearing alongside her father in various projects. She joined DriveTribe in 2023, a social networking platform founded by Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond, where she is celebrated as a 'cherished presenter' who offers a fresh perspective on motoring.
With 279,000 followers on Instagram, Izzy has also featured on her father's Who We Are Now podcast, which delves into themes of personal growth, masculinity, and mental health. Her involvement in the Formula E Evo Session underscores her growing influence and the sport's commitment to blending entertainment with competitive racing.
Historical Context of Evo Sessions
The Evo Series debuted in Miami last year, featuring celebrities such as former Manchester City footballer Sergio Aguero and Brooklyn Beckham among eleven participants. This year's session in Saudi Arabia continues this tradition, leveraging high-profile figures to amplify Formula E's global reach and appeal.
