Former Top Gear presenter James May has suggested the much-loved motoring show would need to undergo significant changes if it were ever to make a return to television. Known for presenting the BBC series alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, May has voiced his belief on the necessity of adapting the show's format, especially considering its long history and the shifting dynamics of social attitudes around cars.
May's comments come after the BBC decided to 'rest' Top Gear following Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff's serious injury during filming at the Dunsfold Aerodrome test track last December. This decision marked another tumultuous chapter for the series, which has seen many hosts come and go since the iconic trio left to helm Amazon's The Grand Tour, which concluded earlier this year.
Speaking with The Telegraph, May reflected on the cultural relevance of Top Gear, stating, "Top Gear was very much of its time. Social attitudes toward the car have changed quite a bit. These days, it’s become more political." His insights suggest recognition of the show's legacy, alongside awareness of its potential inability to connect with modern audiences under its familiar guise.
Defending the program against past allegations of sexism, May asserted, "I don’t think it was sexist or misogynistic. It was just painfully honest. It was a view of the world, distorted through the eyes of people who were unreasonably concerned about cars.” This comment shines light on how he perceives the show's humor and approach, often misunderstood yet inherently linked to its identity.
When prompted about perceptions of masculinity depicted on the show, May showed candidness. He acknowledged the show's brashness by saying, "I sometimes think flashy supercars are for men who worry women don’t find them interesting anymore," reflecting on the changing narrative around masculinity. He characterized Top Gear not merely as a car show but as "a sitcom panto cum travel show," hinting at the blend of entertainment and exploration the program sought to achieve.
May's observations may resonate especially with audiences familiar with the show’s banter and relationship dynamics, combined with their disdain for pedantic critiques from the media. On occasions, he found himself cringing at some of Clarkson's more contentious remarks, noting, "I didn’t wince about Clarkson being controversial because it’s his job to be an arse and he is very good at it. I'd wince at him not misunderstanding some basic principle of aerodynamics. I’d think, 'how can you not know this?"
Through these remarks, May reveals both the camaraderie and difficulties the trio faced during their tenure. His best-now links to past criticism, rather than attempting to extenuate, merely bolsters the show's distinctive character within its sector.
May's life after Top Gear continues to flourish, with his new show titled, James May And The Dull Men’s Club, challenging perceptions surrounding masculinity and the undervalued nature of what was once deemed 'dull' hobbies. He remarks, "So we decided to headbutt it by being interesting about being dull, all the time acknowledging everyone thinks the things we do are dull.”
The host's willingness to navigate these subjects not only characterizes his authenticity but also blends past experiences with his current endeavors. Indeed, the aftermath of Flintoff’s accident has allowed for reflection upon masculinity beyond the fast cars and flashy motors of Top Gear.
Flintoff himself has been making gradual strides back to the public eye after his crash, expressing his struggles with mental residuals stemming from the incident. This serves as evidence of the complexity of being on such public platforms as television, especially when combined with high-stakes entertainment like motorsport.
Reflecting on Top Gear's enduring impact, May's remarks highlight the show's innovative character and its connection to changing societal norms. Throughout his candid conversation with The Telegraph, May emphasizes the need for adaptation within the series to resonate with contemporary views. This acknowledgment serves as both retrospection and foresight, underlining the inherent responsibility of media programs to evolve with changing tides and public sentiments.
While there's no certainty around the future of Top Gear, James May's insights bring to light the challenges and opportunities faced by such iconic shows. Whether or not the series returns, it is clear the legacy of Top Gear, infused with its distinctive charm and controversy, continues to spark debate about the interplay of cars, comedy, and culture.