Sam Altman Demands $50,000 Refund for Delayed Tesla Roadster

UPDATE: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is urgently seeking a refund of $50,000 for a Tesla Roadster he ordered in July 2018 but has yet to receive. In a revealing post on X, Altman shared a screenshot of his refund request, highlighting the ongoing frustration over the delays that have now stretched for over 7.5 years.

In his post titled “A tale in three acts,” Altman expressed his excitement for the Roadster, stating, “I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait.” His initial deposit was $45,000, but he is now requesting a refund that exceeds the original amount by $5,000. This request, however, has been met with technical issues as his follow-up email requesting cancellation bounced back.

The Tesla Roadster has been one of the company’s most anticipated vehicles since its unveiling in 2017. Elon Musk claimed it would be the “fastest production car ever made,” with a stunning 0-60 mph time of under two seconds. Production was initially slated for 2020, but has faced repeated delays. Musk recently acknowledged these setbacks during an October 2024 earnings call, stating that the design is being finalized but emphasizing that the company is prioritizing its core mission of sustainable energy.

As of now, representatives from both Altman and Tesla have not commented on the situation, leaving many to wonder about the future of the Roadster and any potential impact on Altman’s ongoing legal dispute with Musk. The two have been at odds since Musk left the OpenAI board in 2018 and subsequently criticized Altman’s leadership. Musk has filed multiple lawsuits against OpenAI, claiming it strayed from its nonprofit roots, which Altman has publicly defended.

This latest incident underscores the tension between Altman and Musk, as both continue to navigate their professional and personal differences. Altman’s frustration reflects a broader sentiment among early deposit holders who have been waiting for their Roadsters, making this a developing story that captures the interest of both automotive enthusiasts and tech followers alike.

As the situation continues to evolve, many are left asking: What happens next for Altman, Tesla, and the long-awaited Roadster? Keep watching for real-time updates as this story develops.