Jeremy Clarkon's F1 Critique Resurfaces Amid Verstappen Russell Battles
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
After making appearances on the Formula 1 grid, former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson's remarks about the state of the sport resurfaced.
The reality TV star is no stranger to making bold claims about F1. He is an avid watcher and fan of the racing series.
Clarkson appeared on the grid at the British Grand Prix, where he seemed excited for the race, though a couple of months ago, he had given a controversial opinion about the sport.
"I've had an idea to make F1 racing more consistently exciting. Don't use tracks where overtaking is difficult," he posted to X back in April.
British farmer and TV personality Jeremy Clarkson talks with Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 6,...
British farmer and TV personality Jeremy Clarkson talks with Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 6, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom. More
Photo by"That F1 race this morning gave me an idea of what it might be like to watch cricket," he added in another post.
While always following the sport, Clarkson did take a break from attending races mainly due to the problems that modern F1 has with the other drivers' dirty air.
In a 2019 YouTube video, the car enthusiast listed his problems with F1.
"I mean, I'd rather watch these [flowers] grow than watch a Formula 1 race," Clarkson said.
"Get rid of the stewards. Dangerous driving is what the fans want. So if somebody does dangerous driving, I'd give them an extra five championship points.
"The cars have to be stronger. They have to be able to withstand, you know, wheel-to-wheel action without bits of front wing coming off.
"I want to see [Gilles] Villeneuve and [Rene] Arnoux wheel-to-wheel on the last lap of the French Grand Prix, and if Ferrari don't like that they can f**k off.
"In fact, Mercedes can f**k off. They can all f**k off. Let's turn it into a proper sport again and not some health and safety exercise."
Clarkson returned to the sport at the beginning of the 2023 season and attended the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Clarkson's comments regarding physical racing come during a time when Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has been in the news for his aggressive driving.
At the Spanish GP, the Dutch driver collided with Mercedes' George Russell after getting frustrated.
While seemingly getting ready to give Russell the place, Verstappen crashed into the side of the Briton's car.
Verstappen's approach to racing should appeal to Clarkson, and since the Red Bull driver is falling down the order, there could be potential for altercations.
More F1 news: How Lewis Hamilton Made the F1 Movie Production More Expensive
For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After making appearances on the Formula 1 grid, former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson's remarks about the state of the sport resurfaced. The reality TV star is no stranger to making bold claims about F1. He is an avid watcher and fan of the racing series. Clarkson appeared on the grid at the British Grand Prix, where he seemed excited for the race, though a couple of months ago, he had given a controversial opinion about the sport. "I've had an idea to make F1 racing more consistently exciting. Don't use tracks where overtaking is difficult," he posted to X back in April. British farmer and TV personality Jeremy Clarkson talks with Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 6,... British farmer and TV personality Jeremy Clarkson talks with Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 6, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom. More Photo by"That F1 race this morning gave me an idea of what it might be like to watch cricket," he added in another post. While always following the sport, Clarkson did take a break from attending races mainly due to the problems that modern F1 has with the other drivers' dirty air. In a 2019 YouTube video, the car enthusiast listed his problems with F1. "I mean, I'd rather watch these [flowers] grow than watch a Formula 1 race," Clarkson said. "Get rid of the stewards. Dangerous driving is what the fans want. So if somebody does dangerous driving, I'd give them an extra five championship points. "The cars have to be stronger. They have to be able to withstand, you know, wheel-to-wheel action without bits of front wing coming off. "I want to see [Gilles] Villeneuve and [Rene] Arnoux wheel-to-wheel on the last lap of the French Grand Prix, and if Ferrari don't like that they can f**k off. "In fact, Mercedes can f**k off. They can all f**k off. Let's turn it into a proper sport again and not some health and safety exercise." Clarkson returned to the sport at the beginning of the 2023 season and attended the Bahrain Grand Prix. Clarkson's comments regarding physical racing come during a time when Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has been in the news for his aggressive driving. At the Spanish GP, the Dutch driver collided with Mercedes' George Russell after getting frustrated. While seemingly getting ready to give Russell the place, Verstappen crashed into the side of the Briton's car. Verstappen's approach to racing should appeal to Clarkson, and since the Red Bull driver is falling down the order, there could be potential for altercations. More F1 news: How Lewis Hamilton Made the F1 Movie Production More Expensive For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
