The weekend began with some concerns for Yuki Tsunoda in Las Vegas, as he had to explain the reason for his entry into the country.
After the Brazilian Grand Prix, during which Yuki Tsunoda managed to qualify in third position, the time came for the race in Sin City. However, the Japanese driver from the Faenza-based team didn’t receive the warm welcome he expected. Tsunoda revealed that he was detained by the Immigration Office at the Las Vegas airport and asked to clarify the reason for his entry into the United States, raising concerns about his ability to participate in the upcoming race weekend.
“Luckily, they let me into the country after a few discussions —actually, many discussions. I was about to be sent back home. Everything is fine now, but yeah, fortunately, I’m here,” Tsunoda explained, recounting the details of the incident.
“My physiotherapist was traveling with me. Obviously, when you go through customs, you do it individually, right? Suddenly, he (the officer, ndr) put me in a room, and when I started talking, I asked if I could bring the person I was traveling with. Maybe they could help explain more about me and the Formula 1 situation. But they didn’t allow it, nor could I call anyone. I wanted to call the team or maybe F1 so they could help me. But in that room, you can’t do anything,” Tsunoda explained, adding that even his physiotherapist, who was traveling with him, couldn’t assist in resolving the situation.
Additionally, the Red Bull driver explained that all his documentation for entering the U.S. was in order, especially considering the American race weekends that preceded Las Vegas—Austin, Mexico City, and São Paulo. The Las Vegas Grand Prix begins later tonight:I got all the visas and everything else. It was unfortunate. I think with the last three Grand Prix events, I managed to get in without issues. So it was a bit strange to be stopped and have such an in-depth discussion.
“Maybe it was because I was wearing pajamas, and the color looked like… I don’t know. It felt like there was a lot of pressure from their side, and I couldn’t say anything. Otherwise, I felt I would have gotten into more trouble. Fortunately, I managed to get through without further issues ” Tsunoda concluded, attributing the incident to the outfit he was wearing.
Photo: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team
