It was an incredible adventure that a Formula 1 driver experienced upon his arrival on American territory for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Yuki Tsunoda, Formula 1 driver for Racing Bulls, experienced an unusual situation when arriving in the United States to participate in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. An incident which could have compromised his presence on the grid this weekend.
Upon his arrival on American soil, Tsunoda was intercepted by border control services. He confided that he had been
“on the verge of being fired” in his country.
“After several discussions, they finally agreed to let me inhe explained during a press conference in Las Vegas. It was a strange situation, because I had all my documents in order, as for other recent Grands Prix.”
Despite his attempts to clarify his situation, the process proved more complex than expected: “It lasted two or three hours, which seemed like forever. It's not like it was my first visit to the United States this year. Everything had gone well so far.”
Isolated and without assistance
The Japanese pilot also highlighted a frustrating aspect of this experience: he was unable to benefit from outside help.
“I was traveling with my physical trainer, but at customs, we each go through our separate ways. When I was put in a room for interrogation, I asked if he could accompany me or if I could call my team. I was simply refused.”
Deprived of all communication, Tsunoda found himself alone facing the agents, trying to prove his identity and his status as a Formula 1 driver.
The unusual detail: pajamas for the only outfit
To add to the absurdity of the situation, Tsunoda was wearing pajamas during this incident. An outfit which, according to him, did not work in his favor.
“I probably didn't look like an F1 driverhe joked. The agent asked me very personal questions, including about my salary. It was really uncomfortable, because I felt that if I said one wrong word, things could get worse.”
Despite this mishap, Tsunoda was finally able to return to Las Vegas and concentrate on the Grand Prix: “Everything is behind me now, and I’m ready to fight on the track.”
This anecdote reminds us that even Formula 1 stars are not immune to the hazards of border controls, especially when a simple detail like a casual outfit can complicate things.
