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F1 star questioned at US border ahead of Las Vegas GP: ‘I was wearing pajamas’

F1 star questioned at US border ahead of Las Vegas GP: ‘I was wearing pajamas’

Yuki Tsunoda says he was questioned at the US border before the Las Vegas Grand Prix (Getty Images)

Yuki Tsunoda says he was questioned at the US border before the Las Vegas Grand Prix (Getty Images)

Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda was questioned by U.S. border control officials before being allowed into the United States before the weekend Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Japanese driver Tsunoda who raced F1 as of 2021, he claims he traveled with his physiotherapist but went through the immigration process on his own.

The 24-year-old was then interrogated for several hours, despite having the appropriate documents, before he was allowed to enter the country. Tsunoda flew in ahead of his RB team for the promotional event.

“Fortunately, I was allowed in after several conversations,” he told reporters on Wednesday before the event Saturday evening race in Las Vegas.

“Well, a lot of discussion actually…I almost got sent home.

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

Tsunoda added that he had no problems coming to the United States for previous races this year, in Austin last month and Miami in May.

He added: “There was my physiotherapist who I traveled with. Of course, when you go through customs, you go individually, right?

“And all of a sudden he (the official) just put me in a room, and as I was talking, I was like, ‘Can I take the person I’m going to travel with with me?’ Maybe he can help me a little and explain more about himself and the situation in Formula 1.”

“But they wouldn’t let me bring them or even call anyone. I also wanted to call the team, or maybe F1, to help me. But you can’t do anything in this room.

Tsunoda with RB teammate Liam Lawson in the paddock in Vegas on Wednesday evening (Getty Images)Tsunoda with RB teammate Liam Lawson in the paddock in Vegas on Wednesday evening (Getty Images)

Tsunoda with RB teammate Liam Lawson in the paddock in Vegas on Wednesday evening (Getty Images)

“I did the visas and everything. It’s a shame. I think in the last three (US races) I managed to get into it smoothly. So I felt a little strange that I was stopped and had a proper discussion.

“I just feel like there was a lot of pressure on me and I couldn’t say anything. Otherwise, if I say something, I feel like I’m in more trouble. Fortunately, it went smoothly.”

Tsunoda, who is one of the contenders for potentially replace Sergio Perez also appeared in next year’s Red Bull during last year’s inaugural F1 race in Sin City.

He is currently in 11th place in the table driver rankingsbefore the last three races of the 2024 season.

Max Verstappen can seal his fourth consecutive world championship this weekend, finishing the Grand Prix over Lando Norris.