Japanese F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda said he “nearly got sent back home” by U.S. border officials when he arrived for Saturday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The 24-year-old racer for Red Bull-owned RB told reporters Wednesday that he was wearing pajamas when he was pulled aside and questioned for several hours before being allowed into the country.
“Luckily, they let me in after a couple of discussions,” he said. “Well, a lot of discussions, actually … I nearly got sent back home. Everything is all good now but yeah, luckily I’m here.”
Tsunoda said he had no issues entering the U.S. earlier this year for races in Miami and Austin, Texas.
“I was wearing pajamas, so maybe I didn’t look like an F1 driver,” Tsunoda said.
It was not immediately clear where Tsunoda went through customs.
Tsunoda has eight top-10 finishes in 21 starts this season and currently ranks 11th in the F1 drivers’ standings.
–Field Level Media
CHARLOTTE — Chase Elliott continued to build his legacy as an undeniable NASCAR Cup Series fan favorite, winning the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Most Popular Driver Award for the…
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen enters Saturday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix on the verge of clinching his fourth consecutive Formula 1 world championship. There are various scenarios that will land…
McLaren no longer will have its drivers adhere to a pecking order as the Las Vegas Grand Prix approaches Saturday. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri said he does not have to…
Max Verstappen chasing fourth straight F1 title in Vegas
McLaren no longer asking Oscar Piastri to support Lando Norris’ title chase
Brad Keselowski reunites with crew chief Jeremy Bullins
Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda ‘nearly sent home’ at U.S. border