James May has revealed that he thought Richard Hammond had died while filming with Jeremy Clarkson.

The 61-year-old originally joined forces with his co-stars back in 2003 during the second season of Top Gear.

In the 22 years following, the trio have become household names all over the world and Top Gear as well as Prime Video’s The Grand Tour proved hugely popular.

The gang called it quits last month with one final special which was filmed in Zimbabwe and Botswana.

READ MORE: James May takes swipe at Jeremy Clarkson’s rival pub

James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond.James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. (Image: PA / Amazon Prime Video)

In the aftermath of the amicable professional split, Mr May has revealed that he believed his co-star Richard Hammond had died at one point.

Speaking to Men’s Journal, he was quizzed over what the scariest thing that had happened during filming between the three presenters was.

Mr May said: “I suppose the brief window in which I believed Richard Hammond killed himself going up the mountain when he was driving the Rimac, only to realize they waved all the flags and dragged him from the wreckage.

“He was alive and they knew he was going to catch fire."

Former Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman told Times Radio: “That makes me run cold.

READ MORE: James May responds to Clarkson’s Farm spin-off speculation

“[Hammond] was on his own at the bottom of that hill, upside down. He'd broken his knee and he had to get out of that car. And a super-car window is like a letterbox.

“If he had been unconscious, he wouldn't be here."

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