Jeremy Clarkson has faced criticism after suggesting Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto deserved a grid penalty because he is Argentinian. The 66-year-old broadcaster made the remark while at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, as a guest of the Alpine team, for which the 23-year-old Colapinto drives.
Colapinto, from Buenos Aires, will serve a 10-place grid drop due to engine changes for Sunday's race at the Circuit of the Americas. Speaking to Martin Brundle on Sky Sports, Clarkson said: "Franco got a grid penalty for being Argentinian… well probably. I'd give him one for that. But anyway that's because of what happened when we went there."
Context of the comment
Clarkson's last comment appeared to reference an incident in 2014, when he and the Top Gear team were forced to abandon filming in Patagonia amid angry protests after driving a car with a number plate that seemed to reference the Falklands War. The BBC and Clarkson maintained that the H982 FKL plate was a coincidence.
The comment came amid ongoing tension between the UK and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, which are a UK overseas territory. Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain so in 2013. In April 1982, Argentinian forces invaded the islands but were forced to surrender by June of the same year.
Alpine and co-manager respond
Alpine responded with a statement: "We're aware of the comments made in a recent TV interview from a guest of the team in Austin. We would like to reiterate that these are personal views and do not align with the team's values of promoting kindness and respect. Franco is our driver and has our full support."
Colapinto's co-manager Jamie Campbell-Walter also condemned the remarks, writing on X: "Jeremy Clarkson's comments about Franco's nationality were completely unacceptable. There is no place for remarks like this in Formula 1, regardless of who makes them or whether they are intended as a joke." He added: "We have worked hard to promote respect and put an end to hostility and abuse. That respect must go both ways. We cannot ask anyone to behave responsibly while accepting comments like these from prominent figures visiting our sport. Franco and his supporters deserve better than this. Let's not allow this to undo the progress we've made and rise above malicious comments."
Further remarks and reaction
Clarkson also addressed Lewis Hamilton's girlfriend Kim Kardashian, who spoke to Brundle live on Sky during the Singapore Grand Prix. He said: "I wasn't watching that. Because I'm sort of not interested in Kim Kardashian if I'm honest. So I edited that bit out. No, I'm not interested. Why would I be interested in Kim Kardashian? I'm here to watch Formula One, not Kim Kardashian. And all the cameras go, 'Oh, Kim Kardashian's here!' Why do I care?"
The Daily Star has approached Jeremy Clarkson's representatives for further comment.
