In a stunning and highly charged exchange that has captured the attention of the motorsports and tech worlds alike, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has responded furiously to recent comments made by Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur. The outspoken billionaire didn’t hold back, suggesting he could buy the iconic Formula 1 team and oust Vasseur if he wanted to.
The controversy began when Vasseur, speaking at a media event ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, dismissed the idea of a future collaboration between Red Bull Racing and Elon Musk’s Tesla brand. “Skip Tesla,” Vasseur reportedly said. “Red Bull will never advertise with Elon Musk.” The remark, seen by many as a public snub, quickly went viral—drawing sharp reactions from fans and insiders across both the F1 and tech industries.
It didn’t take long for Musk to fire back.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO took to social media with his trademark mix of bravado and sarcasm. “If I wanted to, I could buy Ferrari F1 tomorrow and fire Vasseur before his espresso even cools down,” Musk posted. “Focus on racing, not throwing shade.”
Though it remains unclear whether Musk has any actual intention of entering Formula 1 through ownership, his statement sparked instant speculation about what such a move could mean for the sport. Tesla has long been rumored to have an interest in high-performance motorsport, especially as F1 gradually leans into electrification technologies. Musk’s massive net worth and history of bold investments only add fuel to the fire of such rumors.
While Ferrari is owned by the public and has deep ties to its parent company, Exor, which holds a controlling stake, Musk’s comments were clearly meant to assert his power and send a message. In typical Musk fashion, he blended hyperbole with genuine ambition, leaving fans and analysts wondering just how serious he was.
Frédéric Vasseur, who took over leadership of Scuderia Ferrari in early 2023, has helped guide the team through a period of rebuilding. While the team has shown flashes of competitiveness, especially against rivals like Red Bull and Mercedes, Ferrari continues to chase its first constructors’ championship since 2008. Vasseur has generally maintained a professional and strategic approach—making his comment about Musk all the more surprising.
Neither Ferrari nor Red Bull Racing has officially commented on the exchange, and it remains to be seen whether the situation will escalate or simply fade as another eccentric Musk episode.
Still, the verbal clash highlights the increasingly blurred lines between tech magnates and traditional motorsport powers. With Formula 1’s growing global popularity and expanding commercial interests, personalities like Elon Musk are not just spectators—they’re potential disruptors. Whether this was mere Twitter theatrics or a preview of deeper involvement from Musk in the F1 ecosystem, one thing is certain: the drama off the track is just as intense as the competition on it.