Las Vegas Grand Prix: Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda ‘nearly sent home’ after immigration hold-up
Japanese Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda said he was “almost deported” after being detained by immigration officials as he tried to enter the United States.
Earlier this week, the 24-year-old flew to the United States ahead of Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Tsunoda did not travel to the United States with the Red Bulls, taking only his team doctor with him.
Despite having the correct documentation and the required visa, Tsunoda said he was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for up to three hours.
“Fortunately, after a few discussions, they let me in,” Tsunoda said.
“Well, there was actually a lot of discussion. But yeah, I almost got sent home.
“All of a sudden, he (the official) just brought me into the room and when I was talking I thought, ‘Can I take the guy I’m traveling with?’ Maybe he can help explain a little bit about myself and Formula 1 situation?
“But they didn’t allow me to bring them, or even call anyone. I also wanted to call the team or F1 so they could help me. But in that room you can’t do anything.”
Tsunoda said he was wearing pajamas after the long flight and “maybe I didn’t look like an F1 driver”.
The Japanese driver claimed immigration officials asked for details of his salary during the interview.
“(It was) an uncomfortable thing and it felt like something that I was getting a lot of pressure from them about and I couldn’t say anything,” he continued.
“If I had said something, I would have felt like I was in more trouble. Hopefully everything gets sorted out. Luckily, I got through it (in the end).”
The Las Vegas Grand Prix starts at 06:00 GMT on Sunday.
