Japanese F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda recently experienced a tense and unexpected ordeal at the United States border as he arrived for the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The incident which unfolded just days before the race saw Tsunoda subjected to a lengthy interrogation by US border officials, raising questions about the scrutiny faced by international athletes entering the United States.
Yuki Tsunoda who races for Red Bull’s junior team, Visa Cash App RB, arrived in Las Vegas ahead of his team for promotional activities ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Despite possessing all necessary documentation including a valid visa that had previously allowed him smooth entry into the US for earlier races this season in Miami and Austin, he found himself in a distressing situation.
Upon arrival, the 24 year-old driver was held for approximately three hours by US border officials who questioned him extensively about his reasons for entering the country.
In recounting his experience, Yuki Tsunoda expressed his disbelief at being stopped despite his established history of racing in the US. He noted that he had traveled with his physiotherapist but was processed through customs alone, which complicated his ability to provide context about his identity and purpose for being in the country.
“There was my physio that I travel with,” he said. “Obviously when you go through customs, you go individually, right?”
During the interrogation, Tsunoda requested to have his physiotherapist accompany him or to make a phone call to his team or F1 representatives for assistance. However, these requests were denied, leaving him isolated in a room where he felt significant pressure from the questioning US border officials.
“Suddenly he [the official] just put me in the room and when I had a conversation I was like: Can I bring the person that I’m going to travel with? Maybe he can help a little bit to explain a bit more about myself and the situation in Formula 1?”
The lack of support heightened his anxiety as he navigated the interrogation alone.
“They didn’t allow me to bring them or even call anyone,” Tsunoda explained. “I wanted to call the team as well, or maybe F1 so they can help me. But in that room, you can’t do anything.“
However, Tsunoda suggested that his appearance at the airport may have alerted the US border officials.
“Maybe I was wearing pajamas and the color looks like a… I don’t know,” he said. “It just feels that I got a lot of pressure from them, and I couldn’t say anything.
“Otherwise, if I say something I feel like I’m more in trouble. Luckily I went through smoothly.”
The scrutiny faced by Yuki Tsunoda is indicative of broader issues surrounding international travel and border control policies in the United States.
While athletes often travel extensively and are accustomed to navigating various customs processes worldwide, unexpected detentions can disrupt their preparations and create unnecessary stress.
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Tsunoda’s experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by professional athletes who must balance their competitive commitments with the complexities of international travel.
Fortunately for Yuki Tsunoda, after what he described as “a lot of discussions,” he was ultimately granted entry into the United States. He expressed relief at being able to move past this distressing incident and focus on the upcoming race in Las Vegas.
“Luckily they let me in after a couple of discussions, a lot of discussions, actually,” the RB driver said. “I nearly got sent back home. Everything is all good now but yeah, luckily I’m here.”
As Tsunoda prepares for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, he remains focused on his performance on the track. Currently ranked 11th in the drivers’ standings as the season approaches its final races, he is also considered a potential candidate to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull next year.
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