Jeremy Clarkson’s comment regarding Franco Colapinto’s Argentinian nationality at the United States Grand Prix has drawn a sharp response from Colapinto’s manager, Jamie Campbell-Walter. The incident occurred during a Sky Sports F1 interview at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, where Clarkson was a guest of the Alpine team.
Colapinto, an Alpine driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season, received a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race. This penalty was incurred due to the use of a fourth control electronics unit, exceeding the permitted allocation of three per season.
During the interview, when asked about Alpine’s prospects, Clarkson stated, “Franco has got a grid penalty – for being Argentinian, probably. Well, I’d give him one for that, but anyway, that’s just because of what happened when we went there.”
This remark referenced a 2014 incident during a Top Gear special filmed in Patagonia, Argentina. Clarkson and his production team were forced to leave the country after locals reacted strongly to the number plate ‘H982 FKL’ on his Porsche 928, interpreting it as a deliberate reference to the 1982 Falklands War.
Jamie Campbell-Walter, director of Bullet Sports Management, which represents Colapinto, publicly criticised Clarkson’s statement. He posted on social media platform X, describing the comments as entirely inappropriate for Formula 1.
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. 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.
The Alpine team also issued a statement, distancing itself from Clarkson’s remarks. The team clarified that these were personal views and did not align with Alpine’s values of promoting kindness and respect.
Alpine reiterated its full support for Colapinto, who has a significant fanbase in Argentina. Colapinto has previously appealed to his supporters to refrain from online abuse directed at other drivers and team personnel, acknowledging the potential impact on his career.
Clarkson’s presence at the United States Grand Prix was as an Alpine guest, reflecting an ongoing partnership between his Diddly Squat Farm and the team. The farm, located six miles from Alpine’s Enstone factory, supplied catering for the team at the British Grand Prix earlier in July 2026.
Colapinto qualified 14th for the United States Grand Prix but will start 21st on the grid after the application of his 10-place penalty. Other drivers, Arvid Lindblad and Gabriel Bortoleto, also received grid penalties for power unit component changes at the event.
