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Alpine defends Franco Colapinto after Jeremy Clarkson comments
Alpine F1 Team has issued a formal statement distancing itself from controversial remarks made by guest Jeremy Clarkson during the United States Grand Prix weekend at the Circuit of the Americas. During a live interview with Sky Sports F1, the former Top Gear presenter joked that driver Franco Colapinto received a grid penalty due to his Argentinian nationality, referencing a 2014 incident in Patagonia involving a controversial vehicle license plate.
Alpine clarified that Colapinto’s actual 10-place grid penalty was strictly technical, resulting from the use of a fourth control electronics unit, exceeding the regulatory limit of three. The team emphasized that Clarkson’s comments were personal opinions that do not align with Alpine’s values of respect and kindness, stating, “Franco is our driver and has our full support.”
Jamie Campbell-Walter, manager for Colapinto, condemned the remarks as “completely unacceptable,” noting that such comments have no place in Formula 1 regardless of intent. The controversy resurfaces tensions from Clarkson’s 2014 visit to Argentina, which ended in protests and the production crew fleeing to Chile.
Entities
Alpine F1 Team · Austin · Circuit of the Americas · Franco Colapinto · Jeremy Clarkson · Sky Sports F1
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The penalty was caused by the use of a fourth electronic control unit. diariopampero.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Regulations permit the use of only three electronic control units. diariopampero.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Colapinto received a grid penalty at the United States Grand Prix. diariopampero.com · automundo.com.ar · cuestionentrerriana.com.ar
- [● 3 SOURCES] Jeremy Clarkson was attending the event as a guest of Alpine. diariopampero.com · automundo.com.ar · cuestionentrerriana.com.ar
- [● 3 SOURCES] Jeremy Clarkson made comments regarding Franco Colapinto's nationality during a Sky Sports F1 interview. diariopampero.com · automundo.com.ar · cuestionentrerriana.com.ar
- [● 3 SOURCES] Alpine reaffirmed its support for Franco Colapinto. diariopampero.com · automundo.com.ar · cuestionentrerriana.com.ar
- [● 3 SOURCES] Alpine issued a statement saying Clarkson's comments do not represent the team's values. diariopampero.com · automundo.com.ar · cuestionentrerriana.com.ar