JUST IN: F1 STAR reveals DEPORTATION threat at Las Vegas Grand Prix as He...

“Yuki Tsunoda Reveals Close Call with Deportation Ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix”

As the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix approaches, Formula 1 returns to the United States, but for one star driver, his arrival almost became a short-lived ordeal. The highly anticipated race, set under the bright lights of the iconic Las Vegas Strip, promises a thrilling spectacle this weekend, with Max Verstappen potentially sealing his fourth consecutive world championship. Verstappen needs to either win the race or finish ahead of his closest rival, Lando Norris, to claim the title, with a 62-point gap separating the two in the standings.

However, as preparations for the race get underway, Yuki Tsunoda has shared a harrowing experience he encountered upon arriving in the U.S. The Red Bull junior driver revealed that he was nearly denied entry at the Las Vegas airport, facing the possibility of deportation before the weekend’s action even began. In a press conference ahead of Thursday’s practice sessions, Tsunoda recounted the nerve-wracking moments when U.S. customs officials pulled him aside for questioning, raising concerns about his eligibility to enter the country.

“Luckily, they let me in after a lot of discussions, actually,” Tsunoda told the media, visibly relieved that the situation had been resolved. “I almost got sent back home. Everything is fine now, but it was a really stressful situation.”

The Japanese driver, who has been racing for Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri (recently rebranded as VCARB) since 2021, further explained the details of his encounter. Upon arriving at the airport, Tsunoda was separated from his physio, whom he had traveled with, and was taken into a private room by border control. According to Tsunoda, U.S. customs procedures require individuals to go through customs checks separately, so he was left to handle the situation alone.

“Suddenly, they just put me in a room,” Tsunoda recalled. “When I started having the conversation with the officials, I asked if I could bring the person I was traveling with, thinking maybe he could help explain a bit more about me and my role in Formula 1. But they didn’t allow me to bring anyone in, and I wasn’t even allowed to make a call.”

Tsunoda said he wanted to reach out to his Red Bull team or even Formula 1 officials to assist him with the situation, but he wasn’t permitted to contact anyone during his questioning. “I wanted to call the team or someone from F1 to help me explain the situation, but in that room, you’re completely cut off from communication,” he said.

Despite the stressful experience, Tsunoda was eventually granted entry into the U.S., allowing him to focus on the upcoming Las Vegas race. He is determined to make an impact this weekend, especially as his long-term ambitions in Formula 1 remain in the spotlight. Tsunoda’s contract with VCARB is secure for the 2025 season, but the 24-year-old has made it no secret that he hopes to earn a promotion to the main Red Bull Racing team in the future.

While his near-deportation experience added an unexpected challenge to his arrival, Tsunoda remains focused on proving himself on the track. He has shown steady improvement throughout the 2024 season, and strong performances in the remaining races could further solidify his case for consideration by Red Bull’s senior team. With drivers like Max Verstappen dominating the sport, Red Bull is always looking toward the future, and Tsunoda aims to position himself as a key contender for a top seat.

As for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the stakes are high for many drivers, including Tsunoda. Whether it’s Verstappen potentially clinching his fourth championship or Tsunoda impressing Red Bull’s leadership, the race is set to provide plenty of drama under the bright lights of the Vegas Strip. After overcoming his border ordeal, Tsunoda is now ready to take on the challenge and continue his quest for success in Formula 1.