Jeremy Clarkson has drawn criticism for an "offensive" remark made about Formula One driver Franco Colapinto, who races for Alpine. Clarkson, a guest of the Alpine team at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, joked that he would issue Colapinto a grid penalty solely due to his nationality.
"Franco's got a grid penalty for being Argentinian... Probably. Well I'd give him one for that," Clarkson said during an interview with Sky Sports' Martin Brundle. He later clarified that the comment stemmed from a previous controversial incident involving himself and Argentina.
This remark references a 2014 incident where Clarkson and the Top Gear crew had to flee Argentina after driving a Porsche with a license plate that appeared to reference the Falklands War. The stunt led to angry locals throwing bricks at their vehicle, and veterans of the conflict reportedly besieged their hotel.
Colapinto's manager, Jamie Campbell-Walter, stated that Clarkson's comments were "completely unacceptable" and that "there is no place for remarks like this in Formula One, regardless of who makes them or whether they are intended as a joke."
Colapinto himself had already been issued a 10-place grid penalty for the Austin race due to power unit component changes, irrespective of Clarkson's remarks.
Clarkson's past run-in over the Falklands remains one of Top Gear's most memorable controversies. He has previously described the experience as the "most terrifying thing I've ever been involved in."
The Falklands War has also been a recent point of contention in broader political discourse, with Argentinian President Javier Milei amplifying messaging about the islands belonging to Argentina.
In personal news, Clarkson recently announced he is in remission from aggressive prostate cancer, diagnosed in mid-June. He has stated he does not plan to adhere strictly to a healthy diet post-treatment, emphasizing the need for joy in life. He has two grandchildren through his daughter Emily.