A recent video of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman driving a rare and ultra-expensive hypercar has sparked a reaction from Elon Musk, reigniting their long-standing rivalry. The footage shows Altman behind the wheel of a Koenigsegg Regera, a limited edition sports car valued at over $1.9 million, with second-hand models fetching upwards of $3 million.
This video, which has garnered over 4 million views, raised eyebrows and questions about how Altman, as the CEO of a non-profit, could afford such a luxurious vehicle. One user sarcastically noted, “Who would have thought a non-profit job pays so well,” while another highlighted OpenAI’s founding mission to advance AI for humanity without a profit motive.
The video caught the attention of the X handle ‘Tesla Owners Silicon Valley,’ who questioned, “How did OpenAI become a for-profit business when it was a non-profit?” Elon Musk responded with a pointed, “Great question.”
For those unfamiliar with their history, Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015, aiming to democratize AI access. Musk left the board in 2018. In February 2024, Musk sued OpenAI and Altman, alleging they shifted from their original non-profit mission to a for-profit model backed by Microsoft, a move he claims breaches their founding principles. Although Musk withdrew the lawsuit in June, his latest comments suggest lingering tensions.
This exchange highlights the ongoing friction between these two tech moguls and raises questions about the ethics and direction of AI development.
