The Formula 1 driver who was nearly refused entry into the United States of America ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix has spoken out about the ordeal.
This weekend, F1 will return with the much-anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix after a two-week break on the back of a triple header in Austin, Mexico City and Sao Paulo.
The race around Sin City promises to be one of the biggest shows on the calendar, with A-list celebrities expected to be spotted in and around the paddock.
Heading into the weekend, reigning champion and Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen knows a victory would clinch his fourth successive world title.
Despite F1 being the talk of the town, one driver had to deal with the US Customs upon his arrival into the country.
Advert
As reported by The Mirror, Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda who races for Red Bull's sister team, Visa Cash App RB, revealed he was interrogated by officials for around two to three hours before eventually being let in.
The 24-year-old was left baffled as he had already been in the US twice earlier in the season for races in Miami and Austin.
He said: "They let me in after a couple of discussions. Well, a lot of discussions - actually, I nearly got sent back home. Everything is all good now, luckily I am here now.
"I had the visas and everything, been the same I guess the last three tracks, right? I was able to enter smoothly [at the] previous tracks. It felt a bit strange I got stopped and had a proper discussion. Luckily it did not go more than two or three hours. But yeah I felt... it was going to be a long travel for me."
Advert
Tsunoda added: "Obviously, when you have questions and go to customs, you go individually. I went to the room, he put me in the room and we had a conversation, even like, 'Can I bring the person that travel with and maybe he can help a little bit to explain a bit more about myself and the situation in Formula 1?'
"But they did not allow me to bring that friend or even call anything. I wanted to call to the team or Formula 1 that can help me, but in that room you cannot do anything. I was wearing pyjamas, so maybe I did not look like a Formula 1 driver!
"I got a lot of pressure from them, but I was like, I could not say anything otherwise - if I say something, I feel like I am more in trouble."
Advert
Tsunoda is currently in 11th place in the F1 standings having scored 28 points this season, three points off 10th-placed Nico Hulkenberg.
Topics: Formula 1, Red Bull Racing
Marcus Chan