Japanese Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda said he was interrogated in his pajamas for hours by US border control officials before being allowed into the country for this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The RB driver told reporters on Wednesday that he had no problems with his two previous visits to the US this year for races in Austin and Miami.
“Luckily they let me in after a few conversations,” he said. “Well, a lot of discussions actually… I almost got sent back home.”
Tsunoda said he had traveled with his physio but had to go through immigration himself and was then taken to a room for questioning, despite having the correct paperwork.
“I did the visas and everything… I was able to get in easily at the previous circuit [Circuit of the Americas]” he said.
“It felt a bit strange being stopped and having quite an argument. Luckily it didn’t last more than two or three hours. It’s not the first time we’ve come here this year. I have heard a lot, but hopefully everything will go well – and smoothly – in the future.”
The Las Vegas GP comes after a three-week break following a round in Brazil and Tsunoda had flown in for the team for a promotional event.
“I was wearing pajamas, so maybe I didn’t look like an F1 driver,” the 24-year-old added.