The Grand Tour

Jeremy Clarkson And F1’s Adrian Newey: The Strange Connection Between Motoring Legends

What’s the connection between F1 legend Adrian Newey and presenter Jeremy Clarkson? Read on…

The world as we know it is quite small. But sometimes, it gets smaller. In this case, we’re talking of three motoring legends who knew each other in an unexpected way that turned out to be one hell of a coincidence.

The first of the three is Adrian Newey. Born on 26 December 1958, Newey is a renowned British Formula One engineer who currently works for Red Bull Racing. Known to be one of the greatest minds in motorsport history, Adrian has done wonders in his career with brands such as McLaren, Williams and Red Bull, and his cars have won over 150 grand prix.

Jeremy Clarkson, as we all know is the best automotive journalist ‘in the world’. Period. If you’re expecting a formal introduction then here it is. Born on 11 April 1960 in Doncaster, England, Jeremy Clarkson is a popular broadcaster specialising in motoring. He presented motoring shows like BBC Top Gear and The Grand Tour.

He has also presented game shows like ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’. On top of that that, as if it wasn’t enough, he is a farmer and presenter of Clarkson’s Farm, and writer who weaves weekly columns for The Sunday Times and The Sun.

The third person in question is Andy Wilman. Born on 16 August 1962, Andy is an English Television Producer who is best known as the former producer of BBC Top Gear from 2002 to 2015. After quitting the show following Clarkson’s fracas in 2015, he went on to become the executive producer of The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm.

Now, you must be wondering what is the similarity between them. To break the ice for you, all three of them attended the same Repton school. Just imagine. Three great minds of the automotive fraternity attending school together.

While Jeremy followed F1 throughout his career as a result of his enthusiasm, Adrian designed cars for F1. Andy was the man behind the camera. If this isn’t a huge coincidence for you, then I don’t know what is. For me – it is mind-boggling.

All three legends went to the same school. All three of them grew up to be successful, famous and at the top of their respected careers.

There seems to be an unusual connection between the three. The fact that the three are still in touch with each other as they continue to do the same work is also a rarity.

Funnily, Jeremy talks about his relationship with Adrian Newey in Top Gear’s season 17 episode 4. In the ‘Star In A Reasonably Priced Car’ section of the show, Jeremy talks to F1 Driver Sebastian Vettel who was racing for the Red Bull Back at the time.

Jeremy jokingly said to Vettel that Adrian used to copy him in physics and that he used to peep into Jeremy’s work when he came up with a ‘double diffuser’.

Both Adrian and Jeremy were expelled from school for mischief, as one would expect. But, their images still hang on the Repton school walls as successful alumni.

Do you know of anyone in the car world or the world of F1 with a similar story? Let us know!

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