Before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda experienced an unusual mishap for a Formula 1 driver.
When entering the United States before competing in the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, Yuki Tsunoda “almost got fired” home through border control in the USA.
“Luckily they let me in after some discussion”Yuki Tsunoda first explained in Las Vegas. “Actually, there was a lot of discussion. But yeah, I almost got sent home. Everything’s okay, so I’m here now.”
“I took care of visas and everything else. It's the same thing for the last three circuits, isn't it? I was able to enter the previous circuit without any problem. I found it a bit strange that someone stopped me and talked to me.”
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Tsunoda blocked for about two to three hours
“Luckily it didn't last more than two or three hours. But yes, I felt that the journey was going to be long for me. This is not the first time we have been here this year. I’ve heard a lot of things, but I hope everything goes well in the future.”
“There was my physio who I travel with, but when you go through customs you go individually. Suddenly, [l’agent] put me in a room and when I talked to him, I said, 'Can I bring the person I'm going to travel with? Maybe he can help me explain a little more about myself and the situation in Formula 1?'”
“But they didn't allow me, or even to call anyone. I wanted to call the team or maybe F1 to help me. But in this room, we can’t do anything.”
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F1 driver questioned in… pajamas
While this mishap lasted several hours, to prove his identity, Yuki Tsunoda was not helped by his outfit since he was wearing… pajamas.
“I was wearing pajamas, so maybe I didn't look like an F1 driver,” he admits. “I'm sure he [le douanier] knew it. During the conversation, he even asked me about my salary and everything else. It's an uncomfortable thing, I feel like the things 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 trouble. I hope everything is resolved. Fortunately, everything went smoothly.”
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