Jeremy Clarkson SLAMMED for joking Franco Colapinto was given ‘penalty for being Argentinian’ at the US GP

Clarkson was a guest of Alpine – the team’s headquarters are just a short drive from his farm – and made the comments to Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle.

He said: “Franco got a grid penalty for being Argentinian… well probably. I’d give him one for that.

“But anyway that’s because of what happened when we went there.”

The 23-year-old from Buenos Aires will serve a 10-place grid drop for engine changes, and start Sunday’s race from 21st.

Clarkson’s last comment seemed to be referring to an incident in 2014, when Clarkson and the Top Gear team were forced to abandon filming in Patagonia amid angry protests when they drove with a car number plate that appeared to reference the Falklands War.

The BBC and Clarkson maintained that the H982 FKL plate was a coincidence.

Alpine have now hit back with a statement aimed at their own guest.

The team said: “We’re aware of the comments made in a recent TV interview from a guest of the team in Austin.

“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.”

Tensions between the UK and Argentina have heightened amid a row over the Falkland Islands.

The Falkland Islands are a UK overseas territory, with islanders voting overwhelmingly to remain so in 2013.

In April 1982, Argentinian forces invaded the islands, but were forced to surrender by June of the same year.

Clarkson’s comment sparked much furore online, including from Colapinto’s co-manager Jamie Campbell-Walter.

“Jeremy Clarkson’s comments about Franco’s nationality were completely unacceptable. There is no place for remarks like this in Formula One, regardless of who makes them or whether they are intended as a joke,” he wrote on social media.

“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.”

Colapinto has a passionate Argentinian fanbase which has, on occasion, harshly criticised other drivers who collide with the young star.

In September, one of these fans – the Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs – criticised Lando Norris after the British star said Colapinto did not “deserve to be in Formula One”.

Two weeks ago, just ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Colapinto told his fans they “sometimes go too far”.

“Instead of supporting me, we end up criticising people and attacking other drivers, other colleagues, my teammates, my mechanics, my engineers — people I work with every single day,” he said.

“I know you think you’re defending me, but you’re actually doing the opposite. You’re not helping me or my future.”