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Japanese Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda says he “nearly got sent back home” after being held by immigration officials as he tried to enter the USA.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 24-year-old flew to America earlier this week ahead of Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
Tsunoda was not accompanied by his Red Bull team, travelling to the United States with just his physio.<\/p>\n
Despite having the correct paperwork and required visas, Tsunoda says he was held by the US customs and border protection for up to three hours. <\/p>\n
“Luckily, they let me in after a couple of discussions,” said Tsunoda.<\/p>\n
“Well, a lot of discussions, actually. But yeah, I nearly got sent back home.<\/p>\n
“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?<\/p>\n
“But they didn’t allow me to bring them or even call anyone. 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.”<\/p>\n
Tsunoda said he was wearing pyjamas at the time after a long flight and “maybe I didn’t look like an F1 driver”. <\/p>\n
The Japanese driver claims the immigration official asked for details of his salary during the interview.<\/p>\n
“[It’s an] uncomfortable thing, just feels like the things that I got a lot of pressure from them for, I couldn’t say anything,” he continued. <\/p>\n
“If I say something, I feel like I’m in more in trouble. Hopefully all things [are] solved. Luckily, I went through smoothly [in the end].”<\/p>\n
US customs and border protection have been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n
The Las Vegas Grand Prix starts at 06:00 GMT on Sunday. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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