Key Takeaways:
- Japanese F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda was detained and interrogated for hours at the US border while in pyjamas, just days before the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
- Despite having all the correct documents, Tsunoda faced extended questioning, marking a sharp contrast to his smooth entries earlier this year.
- The incident occurred during his travel from Brazil for a promotional event ahead of the highly anticipated Grand Prix.
Introduction
Formula One is no stranger to high-stakes drama, but Yuki Tsunoda’s recent experience at the US border takes the concept to a whole new level. Interrogated for hours in pyjamas, the 24-year-old Japanese driver almost didn’t make it to this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. What should have been a routine entry turned into an episode that highlights the often unpredictable nature of international travel.
From Smooth Landings to Unexpected Delays
Tsunoda arrived in the US from Brazil after a three-week championship break. Having successfully entered the country twice earlier this year for races in Austin and Miami, he expected another smooth entry. However, this time, border officials stopped him, leading to an intense questioning session that lasted two to three hours.
Speaking to reporters, Tsunoda shared his frustration and disbelief: “I nearly got sent back home.” Despite holding the necessary visa and paperwork, he found himself stuck in a process that seemed excessive, especially given his professional credentials.
The Pyjama Factor
The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on Tsunoda, who jokingly attributed his predicament to his attire: “I was wearing pyjamas, so maybe I didn’t look like an F1 driver.” This remark underscores how even high-profile individuals aren’t immune to the rigid procedures of border control, where appearances might sometimes invite suspicion.
A Precursor to the Vegas Showdown
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is one of the most awaited events in the F1 calendar, promising a spectacle of speed and glamour. However, Tsunoda’s experience serves as a reminder that even the world’s elite athletes face ordinary hurdles. His ordeal, while resolved in time for the race, underscores the unpredictability of navigating international borders.
As the championship intensifies, Tsunoda and his team can only hope that future travels will be less eventful. For now, all eyes are on the Las Vegas strip, where the drama will shift back to the track.
