Jeremy Clarkson branded 'unacceptable' after Franco Colapinto remark

Franco Colapinto's management team have branded a comment made by Jeremy Clarkson as "unacceptable" at the United States Grand Prix.

Former Top Gear host Clarkson is a guest of the team at this weekend's Austin race, and prior to qualifying, was interviewed on Sky Sports F1, where he discussed Colapinto's 10-place grid penalty for power unit component changes.

The Clarkson's Farm presenter said: "Franco's got a grid penalty for being Argentine. Probably, well, I'd give him one for that.

"That's just because of what happened when we went there."

Clarkson's dislike of Argentina stems from a 2014 episode of Top Gear filmed in Patagonia when he drove a car with a number plate alleged to be a reference to the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina, who claim the territory and the United Kingdom, who holds it. 

He, co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May and the rest of the crew were forced to abandon the shoot and flee to the Chilean border whilst being attacked by locals. The number plate 'H982 FKL' was later proved to be the genuine one issued when the car was built, and the crew had not noticed the perceived reference to the war.

Taking to social media, Colapinto's management team issued a statement, calling out Clarkson's comments - a week after Colapinto issued a statement of his own calling on his loyal fan-base to stop abusing other drivers on social media.

"Jeremy Clarkson’s comments about Franco’s nationality were completely unacceptable," wrote Jamie Campbell-Walter.

"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."

The Alpine team also issued a statement, without naming Clarkson. 

"We're aware of the comments made in a recent TV ​interview from a guest of the team in Austin," said the statement, as quoted by Reuters.

"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."

After his 10-place grid penalty, Colapinto is due to start the Austin race in 21st, with team-mate Pierre Gasly in 10th. 

The race is due to get underway at 15:00 local time, 20:00 GMT.