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.
The 24-year-old flew to America earlier this week ahead of Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Tsunoda was not accompanied by his Red Bull team, travelling to the United States with just his physio.
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.
“Luckily, they let me in after a couple of discussions,” said Tsunoda.
“Well, a lot of discussions, actually. But yeah, I nearly got sent back home.
“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?
“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.”
Tsunoda said he was wearing pyjamas at the time after a long flight and “maybe I didn’t look like an F1 driver”.
The Japanese driver claims the immigration official asked for details of his salary during the interview.
“[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.
“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].”
US customs and border protection have been contacted for comment.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix starts at 06:00 GMT on Sunday.