Jeremy Clarkson makes Argentina joke that ‘could reignite Falklands row’ – AOL.co.uk

Jeremy Clarkson has landed himself in hot water after making a joke about Argentina that could stir up tensions over the Falkland Islands. The former Top Gear presenter, 66, was speaking during Sky Sports’ coverage of the United States Grand Prix when he made a remark about Argentine Formula One driver Franco Colapinto.

Clarkson, who was attending the race in Austin, Texas, as a guest of Alpine, suggested the 23-year-old deserved a penalty simply because of where he comes from. Speaking to Martin Brundle about the team’s chances, Clarkson said: “Franco’s got a grid penalty for being Argentinian. Probably. Well, I’d give him one for that.”

He added: “But anyway, that’s just because of what happened when we went there.”

The comments appeared to be a reference to Clarkson’s controversial trip to Argentina in 2014, when filming for a Top Gear special ended in chaos.

Clarkson and fellow presenters Richard Hammond and James May were forced to abandon filming in Patagonia after protests broke out over a number plate on one of their cars. The Porsche driven by Clarkson carried the registration H982 FKL, which some locals believed was a deliberate reference to the 1982 Falklands War.

Clarkson and the BBC insisted the number plate was a coincidence and denied choosing it to cause offence. The Falkland Islands remain a source of disagreement between Britain and Argentina, which claims sovereignty over the British Overseas Territory.

Clarkson’s latest remarks have now prompted a response from Alpine, which made clear that his comments did not reflect the team’s views.

In a statement, the Formula One team said: “We’re aware of the comments made in a recent TV interview from a guest of the team in Austin.”

It added: “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.”

Colapinto’s co-manager Jamie Campbell-Walter also criticised Clarkson’s remarks.

Writing on X, he said: “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.”

He added that Colapinto and his supporters deserved better, urging people not to undo efforts to tackle hostility and abuse in the sport.

Colapinto was facing a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race due to changes to his car’s power unit components.