Japanese Components One driver Yuki Tsunoda says he “almost received despatched again dwelling” after being held by immigration officers as he tried to enter the USA.
The 24-year-old flew to America earlier this week forward of Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Tsunoda was not accompanied by his Crimson Bull group, travelling to america with simply his physio.
Regardless of having the right paperwork and required visas, Tsunoda says he was held by the US customs and border safety for as much as three hours.
“Fortunately, they let me in after a few discussions,” mentioned Tsunoda.
“Effectively, a number of discussions, truly. However yeah, I almost received despatched again dwelling.
“All of a sudden he [the official] simply put me within the room and once I had a dialog I used to be like, ‘Can I carry the individual that I will journey with?’ Perhaps he may help a little bit bit to clarify a bit extra about myself and the state of affairs in Components 1?
“However they did not enable me to carry them and even name anybody. I needed to name the group as effectively or perhaps F1 to allow them to assist me. However in that room, you’ll be able to’t do something.”
Tsunoda mentioned he was carrying pyjamas on the time after an extended flight and “perhaps I did not seem like an F1 driver”.
The Japanese driver claims the immigration official requested for particulars of his wage throughout the interview.
“[It’s an] uncomfortable factor, simply feels just like the issues that I received a number of stress from them for, I could not say something,” he continued.
“If I say one thing, I really feel like I am in additional in bother. Hopefully all issues [are] solved. Fortunately, I went via easily [in the end].”
US customs and border safety have been contacted for remark.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix begins at 06:00 GMT on Sunday.
