Tsunoda almost denied US entry ahead of Las Vegas GP

Yuki Tsunoda’s Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend began on a rocky note, with the Japanese driver revealing he was almost denied entry into the United States.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Tsunoda detailed the almost three-hour-long border security ordeal that occurred when he tried to re-enter the country for the third time this year, after trips to both Miami and Austin earlier this season.

“I did the visas and everything,” Tsunoda said. 

“It’s been the same the last three tracks, right? I was able to enter smoothly at the previous track.

“Felt a bit strange that I got stopped and had a proper discussion. Luckily, it didn’t go on more than two or three hours.

“It’s not the first time we’ve come here this year. I heard a lot of things, but hopefully that is all well in the future – and smoothly.”

Usually travelling with multiple RB team members, Tsunoda was only entering the United States with his physio for company, but after separating through customs, the 24-year-old was taken into the airport’s integration rooms for questioning by himself.

“There was my physio I travel with, but when you go through customs, you go individually,” the RB driver explained.

“He (the customs officer) put me in a room and we had a conversation.”

During the conversation, Tsunoda said he asked the customs officer if he could make a phone call for assistance, however, border security quickly denied his request. 

“’Can I bring the person who I’ve travelled with? Maybe he can help a little bit to explain bit more about myself and the situation that I’m a Formula 1 [driver]’, but they didn’t allow me,” he recalled.

“[They] didn’t allow that, for me to bring that friend – or even call anyone.

“I wanted to call to the team as well, or Formula 1, maybe that person can help me, but in that room, you can’t do anything.”

Although confused as to why he was taken in for interrogation, Tsunoda admitted that his choice of attire may not have been the most convincing evidence to prove himself a Formula 1 driver. 

“I was wearing pyjamas, so maybe I didn’t look like an F1 driver,” he said. 

“I’m sure he [the customs officer] knew it. Having the conversation, he even he asked me the salary and everything.

“[It’s an] uncomfortable thing, just feels like the things that I got a lot of pressure from them for, I couldn’t say anything.

“If I say something, I feel like I’m in more in trouble. Hopefully, all things [are] solved. 

“Luckily, I went through smoothly [in the end].”

The Japanese driver will hope his weekend on track is a more convincing display of his Formula 1 credentials, with FP1 action kicking off at 13:30, AEDT.

Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Schedule (AEDT):

Friday, November 22nd:

FP1: 13:30 – 14:30

FP2: 17:00 – 18:00

Saturday, November 23rd:

FP3: 13:30 – 14:30

Qualifying: 17:00 – 18:00

Sunday, November 24th:

Race: 17:00

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