The tech world lit up once again after Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, publicly took a playful jab at Elon Musk over a refund issue involving the Tesla Roadster. The humorous yet pointed exchange between the two tech billionaires quickly went viral on social media, reviving discussions about their long-standing and complicated relationship.
A Refund That Sparked Attention
According to posts circulating on X (formerly Twitter), Sam Altman recently joked about Tesla’s delayed refund for Roadster reservations — the high-performance electric sports car first unveiled back in 2017. In his witty post, Altman wrote:
“Looks like I’ll get my Roadster refund the same day ChatGPT 6 comes out.”
The line instantly went viral, interpreted by many as a cheeky dig at Tesla for delaying the Roadster’s production and refund process. Some fans took it lightly as a humorous tweet, while others saw it as a subtle critique of Tesla’s handling of long-term reservations.
Elon Musk Fires Back
True to his bold personality, Elon Musk didn’t let the comment slide. Just hours later, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO fired back with his own sharp response:
“We can issue the refund right now, but you might need an AI to drive faster than the Roadster.”
Musk’s comeback, blending sarcasm and self-confidence, drew laughter across social media. Fans immediately dubbed it “the best tech roast of the week”, with some even joking: “AI vs EV — the greatest rivalry of 2025!”
A Relationship Full of History
Behind this light-hearted exchange lies a long and complicated history. Elon Musk and Sam Altman were once co-founders of OpenAI back in 2015, united by a shared vision for safe and beneficial artificial intelligence. However, Musk left the company in 2018 following disagreements over direction and leadership — and since then, the two have often found themselves on opposite sides of the tech conversation.
Musk has repeatedly criticized OpenAI, accusing it of drifting away from its original nonprofit mission. Altman, meanwhile, has stayed composed, occasionally replying with humor instead of hostility. This latest “refund joke” is seen by many as yet another subtle jab — playful on the surface, but layered with meaning.
Social Media Divided
As expected, the exchange triggered an online frenzy.
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Altman supporters praised his sense of humor and wit.
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Musk fans defended the Tesla CEO, saying his response was “legendary” and showcased his confidence.
Some media analysts suggested that both CEOs actually benefited from the moment. Altman captured the internet’s attention in the middle of AI news cycles, while Tesla once again became the talk of the tech community — even if for a slightly tongue-in-cheek reason.
Titans of Tech, Masters of PR
What began as a joke quickly evolved into one of the week’s most talked-about tech moments. The interaction reflects not only the larger-than-life personalities of both men but also their mastery of using social media as a stage to shape public perception.
Whether it’s AI vs. electric vehicles, or simply two brilliant minds teasing each other, one thing is clear: the rivalry between Sam Altman and Elon Musk is far from over — and fans will be watching closely for their next move.
