Alpine defends Franco Colapinto after Jeremy Clarkson’s nationality joke
Alpine has publicly defended Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto after British television presenter Jeremy Clarkson joked that the Argentine deserved a grid penalty because of his nationality.
Clarkson made the remarks during an interview with Sky Sports ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, 24 October. The former Top Gear presenter was attending the race weekend as a guest of Alpine.
Discussing Colapinto’s prospects, Clarkson suggested that the driver had received a penalty simply for being Argentine, adding that he would impose one himself.
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— Fallows Merchant (@KDXX101) October 24, 2026
The joke referred to Colapinto’s actual 10-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race, which was imposed because of changes to power unit components rather than any disciplinary offence.
Alpine responded with a statement distancing itself from Clarkson’s comments without mentioning him by name.
The Renault-owned team said the remarks reflected the guest’s personal views rather than its own commitment to respectful behaviour.
«Franco is our driver and has our full support,» Alpine said.
Clarkson’s comments revive controversy over 2014 Argentina trip
Clarkson’s remarks appeared to reference a controversial 2014 episode of Top Gear filmed in Patagonia, Argentina.
During filming, Clarkson drove a Porsche with a registration plate that some Argentinians interpreted as a reference to the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
The incident sparked protests against the production crew, who eventually left the country amid threats and hostility.
Argentina claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which it calls the Malvinas, while the territory remains under British administration.
Clarkson, now known for Clarkson’s Farm and The Grand Tour, appeared to allude to the incident when explaining his remarks about Colapinto.
Colapinto’s manager condemns remarks amid online abuse concerns
Colapinto’s manager, Jamie Campbell-Walter, criticised Clarkson on X, calling the comments about the driver’s nationality unacceptable.
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.
— Jamie Campbell-Walter (@jcampbellwalter) October 24, 2026
He argued that Formula One should maintain the same standards of respect for prominent visitors as it expects from drivers, teams and supporters.
Campbell-Walter also pointed to the sport’s efforts to tackle hostility and online harassment.
The controversy comes after Colapinto raised concerns about abusive messages directed at Alpine personnel by some of his own supporters.
Speaking in Austin earlier in the week, the Argentine said criticism had increasingly targeted his mechanics and engineers, with some fans blaming team members for disappointing performances and race incidents.
He said those receiving abuse were the same people working to help him improve his results.
Colapinto has previously appealed to supporters to stop targeting rival drivers and members of his own team.
