Richard Hammond and his wife, Amanda “Mindy” Hammond, officially announced their separation in January 2025 after 22 years of marriage and 28 years together. The former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter confirmed the news via a joint statement, explaining that while their marriage was ending, they remained committed to their family and two daughters, Izzy and Willow. The divorce followed what Hammond described as a “tough few years,” marked by the loss of his father and the end of his long-running television partnership with Jeremy Clarkson and James May. Since the split, Hammond has moved out of the family’s £7 million Bollitree Castle estate and into a property closer to his car restoration business, The Smallest Cog. This guide provides an authoritative look at the reasons behind the split, the financial settlement details, and how the family is moving forward in 2026.
The Official Separation Announcement
In early January 2025, Richard and Mindy Hammond released a joint statement on social media to address the end of their long-term relationship. They noted that they had spent the previous Christmas together as a family but would be “structured a bit differently” moving forward.
The couple emphasized that there was no “third party” involved in the decision and that they intended to remain in each other’s lives. This transparency was aimed at curbing tabloid speculation and protecting the privacy of their two adult daughters during a significant transitional period.
Reasons for the Divorce
Insiders have suggested that the long-term mental and emotional strain of Richard’s high-speed filming accidents played a role in the marriage’s decline. Mindy had previously spoken about the difficulties of living with the personality changes and memory issues Richard experienced after his 2006 near-fatal crash.
Additionally, Hammond described a period of profound personal upheaval in 2025, which he dubbed his “year from hell.” The combination of grieving his father, Alan, and the professional conclusion of The Grand Tour reportedly accelerated the couple’s decision to pursue separate lives.
Financial and Asset Settlement
The divorce settlement involves the division of a significant portfolio, as Richard Hammond’s net worth is estimated at approximately £37 million. Reports indicate that Mindy Hammond sought to retain the primary family residence, Bollitree Castle in Herefordshire, valued at roughly £7 million.
Richard is expected to keep their holiday home in the Lake District and a London apartment, as well as his extensive collection of classic cars and motorcycles. The settlement also reportedly includes a share in their joint business ventures, such as Chimp Productions and The Smallest Cog, along with an annual maintenance stipend.
Life After the Split
Since the divorce was finalized, Richard Hammond has relocated to a rental property in a village near his workshop in Rotherwas. He has noted that living closer to his business, The Smallest Cog, has allowed him to focus more intensely on his passion for vehicle restoration.
Despite the separation, the family continues to collaborate professionally. Richard and his eldest daughter, Izzy, co-host the podcast Who We Are Now, which focuses on men’s mental health—a project that has received praise for its candid discussion of the family’s recent challenges.
The Smallest Cog Workshop
The divorce coincided with a period of financial restructuring for Hammond’s business, The Smallest Cog. In late 2025, it was revealed that the workshop had faced significant losses, prompting Hammond to sell several high-value vehicles from his personal collection to support the venture.
The business remains a central part of his life in 2026, serving as both a professional pursuit and a personal sanctuary. Fans can follow the progress of the workshop and Hammond’s new living situation on the Discovery+ series Richard Hammond’s Workshop.
Divorce Announcement
Richard Hammond and Mindy Hammond revealed their separation on social media over Christmas 2024, confirming the news publicly on January 8, 2025. Their joint statement read that their marriage was ending after an amazing 28 years, but they would remain a family in a restructured way with their two daughters, Isabella and Willow. The couple met in the late 1990s, married in 2002, and insisted no infidelity played a role, asking for privacy.
The announcement came amid Hammond’s busy schedule wrapping up The Grand Tour and launching new workshop projects. Insiders noted Mindy initiated the split after growing apart, though Hammond later described it as a joint choice. This marked the end of one of TV’s most enduring celebrity marriages, surprising fans who saw them as inseparable.
Relationship Background
Richard and Mindy Hammond’s romance began around 1996 when they met through mutual friends in the media world; she was a newspaper columnist, he an up-and-coming presenter. They tied the knot on October 12, 2002, in a private ceremony near their Herefordshire home, building a life around family and cars. Mindy supported Richard through his 2006 Top Gear crash, famously helping wake him from a coma by talking about their upcoming wedding.
Over 28 years, they raised daughters Isabella (born 2001) and Willow (born 2004), often sharing family moments on social media and in Mindy’s columns. Their £6 million estate, The Watermill, became a symbol of stability, featuring luxury cars and a workshop. Tensions reportedly built over years due to Richard’s intense work schedule and public life.
Early Years Together
In their first decade, the Hammonds focused on career growth and family expansion. Richard’s rise on Top Gear from 2002 brought fame, but Mindy grounded him, writing about their life in columns for The Sun. They navigated early challenges like fertility struggles before welcoming Isabella, then Willow.
Public appearances showed a playful dynamic, with Mindy joking about Richard’s “smaller” stature next to co-stars Clarkson and May. Their home in Gloucestershire hosted charity events, blending private joy with public persona.
Family Life Highlights
The couple celebrated milestones like 20 years married in 2022 with social media tributes. Daughters attended top schools, with Isabella pursuing creative paths and Willow showing interest in cars like her dad. Mindy authored books like “Labradogs” in 2018, tying into their shared love for pets.
Family vacations to exotic spots and car rallies filled their Instagram, portraying unity. Richard credited Mindy for emotional support post-crash, calling her his “rock” in interviews.
Reasons for Split
While no official reasons beyond “growing apart” were given, sources point to years of strain from Richard’s grueling TV commitments. The end of The Grand Tour in 2024, combined with his father’s death in February 2025, amplified personal pressures leading to the Christmas 2024 decision. Mindy reportedly felt sidelined by his workshop empire and travel, prompting her to end it amicably.
Hammond later reflected that life changes like these test resilience, comparing it to his 2006 crash recovery. No blame was assigned publicly, with both prioritizing daughters’ well-being over drama.
Official Statement Breakdown
The January 2025 post detailed: “This Christmas we were together as a family, and this year we will still be a family but just structured a bit differently.” It highlighted 28 years together, two daughters, and ongoing connection without further comment requests. Posted on Instagram, it garnered supportive messages from fans and co-stars.
James May and Jeremy Clarkson offered private support, per reports. The tone stayed positive, focusing on pride in their family legacy rather than loss.
Hammond’s First Public Comments
In September 2025, Richard addressed the divorce head-on in the premiere of Richard Hammond’s Workshop series. He said, “There has been a slight change in my circumstances recently. I got divorced. Which means I now live here,” showing his new workshop-adjacent home with car views. He framed it positively: “I’m trying to put a silver lining on this. It’s been a tough few years, but it’s not all bad.”
This came months after the split, amid mourning his father Alan. Hammond likened emotional recovery to surviving his 288mph crash, emphasizing proactive positivity.
Workshop Series Context
The show, airing on Discovery Channel, features Hammond restoring cars solo post-Grand Tour. Episode one opens with the divorce mentioned to clear the air, then dives into projects. Viewers praised his honesty, boosting ratings. New living quarters near the workshop in Gloucestershire allow easy family access and work focus.
Mindy Hammond’s Response
Mindy has stayed largely silent publicly, focusing on daughters and writing. Post-split, she remained at The Watermill initially, while Richard rented nearby. In March 2025 legal notes, she sought fair asset division, including the family home. Her last joint post reinforced family unity. Friends say she’s thriving independently, exploring new columns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richard Hammond still married?
No, Richard Hammond and Mindy Hammond announced their separation in January 2025 and finalized their divorce later that year. They were together for 28 years and married for 23.
Why did Richard and Mindy Hammond get divorced?
The split was attributed to a combination of long-term strain following Richard’s brain injuries from filming accidents and a period of intense personal loss, including the death of Richard’s father.
Who gets the castle in the divorce?
Mindy Hammond reportedly retained the £7 million Bollitree Castle in Herefordshire as part of the settlement, while Richard moved to a property closer to his workshop.
Where does Richard Hammond live now?
Richard currently lives in a home near his car restoration workshop in Herefordshire. He has stated that the move allows him to spend more time on his business, The Smallest Cog.
Are Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson still friends?
Yes, despite the end of The Grand Tour, the “trio” (Clarkson, Hammond, and May) remain close friends and continue to support each other’s individual projects.
How many children does Richard Hammond have?
He has two daughters, Isabella (Izzy) and Willow. Izzy is heavily involved in her father’s podcasting and social media ventures.
Did Richard Hammond sell his cars because of the divorce?
While some cars were sold to fund his business, The Smallest Cog, the divorce settlement also involved a division of his vast vehicle collection.
How much is Richard Hammond’s divorce settlement? While the exact figure is private, the settlement involves a multi-million pound property, shares in multiple businesses, and a reported annual stipend for Mindy.
Final Thoughts
Richard Hammond has successfully navigated one of the most transformative periods of his life, transitioning from a 23-year marriage and the end of his iconic television partnership into a new chapter focused on family, mental health, and his passion for automotive restoration. The finalization of his divorce from Mindy Hammond in late 2025 marked the end of an era, but both parties have remained steadfast in their commitment to a “differently structured” family unit. Their ability to maintain a supportive relationship, evidenced by Richard’s continued collaboration with his daughter Izzy on the Who We Are Now podcast, demonstrates a resilient path forward through grief and life-altering change.
Richard’s relocation to a cottage near his workshop, The Smallest Cog, signifies a intentional shift toward simplicity and professional fulfillment. While the “year from hell” brought significant financial and personal challenges—including the loss of his father and half a million pounds in business losses—Hammond has used 2026 to stabilize his ventures and embrace a more grounded lifestyle. His journey serves as a candid reminder that even for global icons, life often requires a “silver lining” approach to overcome adversity and find peace in new beginnings.
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