Jeremy Clarkson criticised over F1 driver nationality comments

Summarised from Mirror Sport's report · Updated 25 Oct, 07:27 · Archive

Jeremy Clarkson suggested Alpine driver Franco Colapinto deserved a grid penalty because of his Argentinian nationality.

Jeremy Clarkson has been criticised for suggesting Alpine F1 driver Franco Colapinto deserved a grid penalty because he is Argentinian. The 23-year-old from Buenos Aires will serve a 10-place grid drop due to engine changes for Sunday's race at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. Clarkson, 66, made the comments to Sky Sports whilst attending as a guest of Alpine.

Speaking to analyst Martin Brundle about the team's prospects, Clarkson said: 'Franco got a grid penalty for being Argentinian… well probably. I'd give him one for that.' The comments appear to reference an incident in 2014, when Clarkson and the Top Gear team were forced to abandon filming in Patagonia following protests over a car number plate that appeared to reference the Falklands War.

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.'

Read the report

• Jeremy Clarkson criticised for suggesting F1 driver deserved grid penalty because of his nationalityThe Clarkson's Farm star is in hot water for suggesting an Argentinian Alpine driver 'deserved' a penalty while he was at the US Grand Prix as a guest of the Alpine teamMirror Sport · 25 Oct, 05:36

In this story: Jeremy Clarkson · Franco Colapinto · Alpine · Circuit of the Americas · Texas · Argentina

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