System One driver was interrogated by US border management officers earlier than being allowed into the USA forward of this weekend’s .
Japanese driver Tsunoda, who has raced in since 2021, says he was travelling along with his physio however progressed via immigration on his personal.
The 24-year-old was then questioned for a number of hours, regardless of having the proper paperwork, earlier than being allowed to enter the nation. Tsunoda had flown in forward of his RB crew for a promotional occasion.
“Fortunately, they let me in after a few discussions,” he advised reporters on Wednesday, forward of in Las Vegas.
“Effectively, loads of discussions, truly… I almost bought despatched again residence.
“I used to be sporting pyjamas, so perhaps I didn’t appear like an F1 driver.”
Tsunoda added that he didn’t have any points getting into the USA for earlier races this 12 months, in Austin final month and in Miami in Could.
He added: “There was my physio that I journey with. Clearly, while you undergo customs, you go individually, proper?
“And all of a sudden he [the official] simply put me within the room and after I had a dialog I used to be like. ‘can I carry the person who I’m going to journey with? Perhaps he can assist somewhat bit to elucidate a bit extra about myself and the scenario in System 1.’
“However they didn’t enable me to carry them and even name anybody. I wished to name the crew as nicely, or perhaps F1 to allow them to assist me. However in that room, you’ll be able to’t do something.
“I did the visas and all the things. It’s been a disgrace. I suppose with the final three [US races], I used to be capable of enter easily. So it felt a bit unusual that I bought stopped and had a correct dialogue.”
“It simply feels that I bought loads of stress from them, and I couldn’t say something. In any other case, if I say one thing I really feel like I’m extra in bother. Fortunately I went via easily.”
Tsunoda, who is likely one of the contenders to Sergio Perez at Purple Bull subsequent 12 months, additionally starred ultimately 12 months’s inaugural F1 race in Sin Metropolis.
He’s presently eleventh within the , forward of the ultimate three races of the 2024 season.
Max Verstappen his fourth consecutive world championship this weekend by ending the grand prix above Lando Norris.
