11 Countries That Faced Jeremy Clarkson’s Outrageous Jabs on Top Gear
Jeremy Clarkson, the controversial and often irreverent host of BBC’s Top Gear, has never shied away from making bold and satirical comments about various countries during the show’s run. From targeting cultural stereotypes to poking fun at national driving habits, Clarkson’s brand of humor often walked a fine line between banter and offense. In this article, we explore the top 11 countries that became the focal points of his comedic quips and stunts, drawing both laughter and criticism from audiences around the world.
11. United States
Jeremy Clarkson repeatedly targeted the United States on Top Gear, often taking aim at American cars, culture, and stereotypes. His quips about “fat Yanks,” “stupid” people, and Americans’ obsession with comfort food became infamous, sparking both outrage and laughter among fans. Clarkson’s jabs cemented the U.S. as a favorite comedic target throughout the show’s run.
10. France
France has long been a favorite target of Jeremy Clarkson’s humor on Top Gear. He’s joked that France “is just a country you have to drive through to get to Italy,” poked fun at French cars for being unreliable and quirky, and often mimicked French accents. The playful barbs extend to French culture, food, and driving habits, making France a recurring comedic theme throughout the show’s run.
9. Germany
Jeremy Clarkson’s humor about Germany on Top Gear often pushed boundaries, with recurring jokes about German engineering, stereotypes, and WWII references. Infamous moments include a spoof Volkswagen ad referencing the invasion of Poland, “Heil Hitler” salutes, and quips about satnavs “only going to Poland,” which drew viewer complaints for perceived xenophobia.
8. Italy
Clarkson frequently expresses genuine admiration for Italy, particularly its approach to speed limits. “What’s the speed limit in Italy? There isn’t one!” he once joked on The Jonathan Ross Show. He also loves Italian cars, though he can’t resist poking fun at Italian engineering, suggesting Italians only handle the finishing touches while companies like Audi build the actual mechanics.
7. Spain
Spain was often on Jeremy Clarkson’s radar for playful jabs, especially in relation to Spanish cars like SEAT. He once joked he was “bored with Spain,” referencing everything from Fernando Alonso’s racing fame to quirky stereotypes—like eating prawn heads and “stealing our fish.”
6. Argentina
During Top Gear’s 2014 Patagonia special, Jeremy Clarkson drove a Porsche with the license plate “H982 FKL,” widely seen as a provocative reference to the 1982 Falklands War. The backlash was immediate: angry protests, political outrage, and even roadblocks. The team ultimately fled Argentina for their safety, turning the episode into international headlines.
5. Australia
Clarkson sparked controversy in Australia during a 2009 Top Gear Live event by calling then-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown a “one-eyed Scottish idiot.” The comment drew outrage from Scottish politicians who demanded the BBC take action, similar to punishments given to other presenters for offensive remarks.
4. Mexico
Mexico became a focal point of controversy on Top Gear when Jeremy Clarkson and his co-hosts mocked the Mastretta MXT, using crude stereotypes about Mexican people and culture. The comments drew strong backlash and a formal complaint from Mexico’s ambassador, who called the remarks “outrageous, vulgar and inexcusable insults.”
3. Japan
Japan’s car culture was a frequent target for Jeremy Clarkson’s playful mockery. From bewildering local car accessories to drifting competitions, Clarkson poked fun at Japan’s unique automotive enthusiasm and strict societal order. His humorous takes during episodes filmed in Tokyo highlighted both cultural quirks and the country’s inventive approach to motoring.
2. Vietnam
In the iconic Vietnam Special, Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear team rode motorcycles from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay, poking fun at local culture along the way. Clarkson famously joked about eating dog meat and made frequent quips about Vietnamese currency, food, and traditions, all while showcasing the country’s stunning scenery.
1. Russia
Jeremy Clarkson’s humor often targeted Russia, especially when reviewing Soviet-era cars, joking about their perceived lack of quality and poking fun at the country’s communist history. One memorable challenge saw him and his co-hosts attempt to survive driving budget Russian cars, with Clarkson lampooning their design and performance throughout.
Conclusion:
While Jeremy Clarkson’s humor might not resonate with everyone, there’s no denying the impact of his satirical take on different cultures and automotive traditions during Top Gear’s storied run. His unabashed comments and playful jabs have sparked both admiration and backlash, illustrating the divide between humor and cultural sensitivity in media. As the show navigated through various landscapes and cultures, the laughter and controversies that followed served as a testament to Clarkson’s unique imprint on the world of motoring entertainment.
