Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda found himself in an unusual situation at U.S. border control when he was detained and interrogated for several hours while wearing his pajamas, ahead of this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old Japanese driver, who races for the Red Bull-owned RB team, revealed to reporters on Wednesday that despite having made two previous trouble-free entries to the United States this year for races in Austin and Miami, this time was dramatically different.

“Luckily, they let me in after a couple of discussions,” Tsunoda explained, before adding with a touch of humor, “Well, a lot of discussions, actually… I nearly got sent back home.”

The incident occurred as Tsunoda arrived early for a promotional event following the three-week break after the Brazilian Grand Prix. Although traveling with his physiotherapist, Tsunoda was required to go through immigration alone, where he was directed to a separate room for questioning, despite having all the necessary documentation.

Reflecting on the experience with characteristic candor, Tsunoda suggested his casual attire might have contributed to the scrutiny: “I was wearing pajamas, so maybe I didn’t look like an F1 driver.”

The episode adds an unexpected chapter to the build-up of Formula 1’s highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, where the sport returns to the famous Strip for the first time in decades. While the incident ended without further complications, it highlights the sometimes surprising challenges faced by international athletes, even at the highest levels of motorsport.

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images