The motor world and the Anime/video games They have collided as unexpectedly as possible in this 2026. Richard Hammond, the legendary British presenter known for his career in Top Gear and The Grand Tour, has become the center of all eyes after publishing a clip that has broken the Internet. Far from the conventional supercars to which we are accustomed, the English “Petrolhead” has decided to get on a vehicle with a purely “Itasha” aesthetic (cars decorated with fictional characters), unleashing the madness among fans of Japanese culture and engines.
The “Taihoumobile” takes the trail
Hammond’s authority in automotive journalism gives a unique weight to this collaboration. The vehicle in question is an imposing Porsche GT3 RS. But what really caught the eye was his LIVERY: A complete design inspired by the mobile game Azur Lane.
Details of this curious combination include:
- the character: The protagonist of the design is Taihou, one of the most popular Chinese gacha ships Azur Lane.
- The cultural fusion: As the users in networks pointed out, the video presents a bizarre global mix. A game of Chinese origin, a Japanese-inspired ship, German engineering and a British presenter at the wheel.
- The Legacy of 2026: This event adds to a growing trend this year, after the Mercedes de My Dress-Up Darling with Marin Kitagawa and the BMW of umamusume seen in previous months.
The reaction of an amazed fandom
The experience of seeing Hammond in command of a car decorated with girls from Anime It has generated a wave of comments full of humor and surprise. Many fans have joked that this crossover “she fits like a glove”. While others already dream of seeing their former companions, Jeremy Clarkson and James May, joining the trend.
Imaginary scripts have even emerged where Clarkson shouts out to him: “Hammooond! What the hell did you do to my car?!” while the camera focuses on a vehicle wrapped in a design of High School DxD. This interaction demonstrates how Hammond’s charisma manages to unite niches that, until recently, seemed totally distant.
The phenomenon of celebrities and anime
The reliability of this viral phenomenon reinforces that the Anime It is no longer something hidden. but a massive marketing tool that attracts elite figures. Hammond joins a list of celebrities who have “crossed the border” recently, like Neymar Jr., who starred in a collaboration with Naruto at eFootball last April. These types of integrations, where iconic gaming and engine characters embrace otaku aesthetics, confirms that Japanese pop culture is leading global entertainment trends in 2026.
Richard Hammond’s new arc?
Richard Hammond’s foray into the “Itasha” world with his Taihou Porsche is the ultimate proof that the Anime It has conquered even the most traditional bastions of British motorsport.
Hammond has just unlocked the maximum level of charisma. Seeing an engine expert enjoy a car with such a polarizing aesthetic demonstrates safety and an excellent reading of current trends. The funniest thing is that, despite how bizarre it sounds, the Porsche design looks incredibly well on the track. If this is the future of motor shows, prepare your “waifus”, because it seems that the stickers give more horsepower than we thought.
Do you think that this type of collaboration is just a passing fad from 2026 or are we facing the beginning of a new era where the designs of Anime Will they be common in GT3 professional skills? We want to read your opinion in the comments!
