Tsunoda Detained at US Border Ahead of Vegas GP

F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda faced hours of questioning at U.S. customs, narrowly avoiding being sent home before the Las Vegas GP.

Yuki Tsunoda revealed he was nearly denied entry to the United States by border control ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The RB F1 driver explained he “almost got sent back home” by customs officers, despite having already raced twice in the country this season, in Miami and Austin.

U.S. border control is known for its strictness, but the Japanese driver did not specify why he was questioned.

“Luckily, they let me in after some discussions. Well, a lot of discussions. But yes, I almost got sent back home. All good now, so I’m here.”

“I was held for two or three hours, which felt a bit strange given my frequent travel to the U.S. and the fact that I have a valid visa.”

The driver returned to the U.S. earlier than planned, participating in promotional activities with Max Verstappen, where he also had the chance to drive an IndyCar.

“This isn’t our first time here this year. I’ve heard a lot about the process, but hopefully, everything goes smoothly in the future—without any issues.”

Tsunoda noted that he wasn’t traveling with the team, only with his physiotherapist, which made it harder to get the support he needed to prove his identity in the situation.

“I was traveling with my physiotherapist, but when you go through customs, you have to go individually. The border officer put me in a room, and we had a conversation.”

The RB F1 driver confirmed that he asked if he could have someone accompany him to help explain the situation, but this was not allowed.

“Maybe he could help explain a bit more about me and the fact that I’m an F1 driver. But they didn’t allow it. They didn’t let me bring this friend—or even make a call to anyone.”

“I also wanted to call the team or Formula 1; maybe someone could help, but in that room, you can’t do anything.”

When asked if it was a case of border control not believing he was an F1 driver, he replied: “Maybe. I was wearing joggers, so maybe I didn’t look like an F1 driver.”

“I’m sure the officer knew. While talking, he even asked me about my salary and everything.”

“It’s uncomfortable. I feel like the pressure they put on me was something I couldn’t do anything about.”

“If I say something, I feel like I’d just get into more trouble. Hopefully, everything will be sorted. Luckily, it all worked out in the end.”