Jeremy Clarkson faced backlash after he commented on Franco Colapinto’s grid penalty at the United States Grand Prix.
Clarkson has become a well-known figure in the paddock over the last few decades. The Top Gear presenter has attended many races, often offering insights into the grid and the sport’s current state.
Notably, before Adrian Newey moved to Aston Martin, Clarkson revealed he knew the Chief Technical Officer was looking at a house near the Silverstone-based team.
Ahead of the United States Grand Prix qualifying, Clarkson appeared on Sky Sports with Martin Brundle, Naomi Schiff and Simon Lazenby.
Clarkson is no stranger to the broadcast this weekend; he’s attending as an Alpine guest, with his farm Diddly Squat and his beer company Hawkstone having done many partnerships and sponsorships over the last few years.
However, the interview derailed when Clarkson was asked about Alpine’s chances for the weekend.
“Franco’s 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.”
Clarkson’s joke referenced a Top Gear special filmed in South America in 2014. The Top Gear presenter claimed hw was thrown out of Argentina by state officials following a number plate that referenced the Falklands War.
The Porsche used in the episode had a number plate reading H982 FKL, which locals claimed referenced the conflict and led to a protest by officials.
However, Clarkson insisted “it was just an unbelievable coincidence.”
Colapinto’s penalty is due to the Argentinian exceeding his engine allocation for the 2026 season, and he will subsequently move back 10 places.
Alpine’s response
Alpine issues a statement following the comments, though they avoided naming Clarkson.
The statement read: “We at Alpine are aware of the comments made by a team guest in a recent television interview in Austin.”
“Franco is our driver and has our full support.”
Clarkson’s relationship with the team is far from new, and he went on to say: “Since Michael [Schumacher] was there, then Fernando [Alonso], then all through the Kimi Raikkonen years, and then now with Pierre.
“Because they’re our local team. I mean, the girl that looks after my rabbits at the farm, her dad works for Alpine. So you feel as though you’re part of a family with them.”
Kim Kardashian debacle
Clarkson’s conversation with Alpine wasn’t the only topic, with the Brit touching on the growing number of celebrities attending races.
“I love the way that you’re faced with these people who have literally no idea why they’re here,” he said.
“You know, I was sitting talking this morning about Eddie Irvine in Canada in ‘99 under the red flag and how he got back onto the podium having dropped to the back of the field.
“And you just think, most people you have to interview, they’d barely know what a car is. So I find it funny watching you having to do that. I genuinely do. Sorry.”
One of the biggest controversies of the season involving celebrities was Kim Kardashian’s snub of Martin Brundle in Monaco, which she made up for in Singapore by giving a short interview before the race.
Clarkson was blunt about his disinterest, saying he wasn’t interested.
“I wasn’t watching that. Because I’m sort of not interested in Kim Kardashian if I’m honest,” Clarkson added.
“Why would I be interested in Kim Kardashian? I’m here to watch Formula 1, not Kim Kardashian. All the cameras go, ‘Oh, Kim Kardashian’s here!’ Why do I care?”
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