Elon Musk attends the Miami F1 Grand Prix with his son
Red Bull Racing
Tesla CEO Elon Musk attended the Miami Grand Prix over the weekend. During his visit, he participated in discussions on aerodynamics and battery technology, sharing his enthusiasm for electric vehicles and Formula 1 racing.
Musk, who brought his young son to the event, mingled with F1 leaders and visited the Red Bull garage. He was warmly welcomed by the F1 community, chatting with F1 Chief Stefano Domenicali and posing for photos with team boss Christian Horner and drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Musk Suggests an Electric Vehicle vs Gas/Hybrid F1 Race
Following his visit, Musk took to Twitter to share an unconventional idea for Formula 1. He tweeted, "Fun discussion of aero and battery technology in F1. I proposed a pure EV vs gas/hybrid F1 race." This suggestion envisioned a new kind of racing event, bringing together the worlds of electric vehicles and traditional Formula 1 competition.
However, fans quickly pointed out that a similar concept already exists in Formula E, the all-electric single-seater racing series. Several Twitter users responded to Musk's tweet, reminding him of the established competition. One user wrote, "There's Formula E, buddy," while another chimed in, "There is already a competition like F1 for electric cars."
Improving Tesla Service
This isn't the first time Musk has included F1 in a tweet. In May of 2022, he tweeted: Excited to work with Tesla Service to enable same-hour service as often as possible! Applying Formula 1 pit crew techniques to Teslas. It doesn't appear that those techniques have been incorporated, as F1 pitstops are around 2.4 seconds.
Fans Remind Musk of the Existing Formula E Racing Series
Despite the reminder, many fans encouraged Musk to become more involved in Formula 1, suggesting that he could use his influence and resources to innovate and push the boundaries of the sport. Some proposed ideas included having a Tesla Plaid car join the race or even Musk buying a team and competing directly.
While Musk's proposal may not have been entirely original, it did spark conversation and generated interest in the possibilities of integrating electric vehicle technology into the world of Formula 1. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, the future of racing may see a convergence of traditional and cutting-edge technologies.
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As Tesla is at the cusp of launching its Robotaxi network, which hinges entirely on the application of AI and neural networks in the real world, the question of the company’s relationship with Musk’s other AI venture - xAI, has never been larger.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Elon’s biographer, Walter Isaacson, who has had unparalleled access to Elon and his thought process, shared his perspectives. Isaacson’s view is a fantastic analysis of why Tesla and xAI are intertwined under Elon’s guidance, even if they’re technically two separate companies for now.
Symbiotic Relationship
Speaking on CNBC, Isaacson stated that he believes wholeheartedly that a merger between xAI and Tesla is likely to happen. He explained that from its inception, xAI was envisioned by Elon to solve “real-world AI,” almost exactly what Tesla is doing with vehicles and robots.
Elon’s vision for Tesla requires harnessing the massive amounts of data generated by Tesla’s fleet - and soon, its Optimus humanoid robots. All that video, audio, and other sensor data, along with real and perceived feedback shapes the AI used in these products.
Isaacson noted that Elon feels a need to control the companies involved in developing AI, which further supports the logic of a future merger. xAI recently acquired X for $33 billion, increasing Musk’s ownership in the company.
More AI Is Needed
While Tesla possesses an unparalleled dataset of real-world, physical interactions, xAI is heavily focused on AI models that will be increasingly powerful in the future. While Tesla may not need access to these models now, that’s likely to change in the future.
We’ll soon look back at FSD and recognize how much smaller and more contained that challenge was compared to Optimus. Driving is just a narrow slice of what a humanoid robot must master—it’s essentially a robot on rails, confined to a structured environment with a strict set of rules. In contrast, Optimus must navigate the full complexity and unpredictability of the real world.
While Isaacson’s reasons for a potential merger are clear, Elon has shied away from the topic in recent interviews. There is a distinct corporate relationship between Tesla and xAI, but he has so far stopped short of mentioning a potential merger. He recently said that a merger is “not out of the question,” but ultimately, it’s up to Tesla shareholders.
Elon’s public stance has been that the two companies will work closely together, with Tesla’s shareholders potentially being offered a stake in xAI in the future. Musk currently owns about 59% of xAI and about 13% of Tesla.
Ultimately, whether the two companies formally merge or continue in a deeply integrated partnership may be more of a question for shareholders. From a technology and product perspective, the fusion is already happening, with Grok confirmed to be coming to Tesla vehicles in the future.
Tesla has finally launched a tow package for the refreshed 2024+ Model 3 in North America. While Tesla offered the tow package in the European and Asia-Pacific markets, this is the first time it has been made available in North America.
Until today, owners have had to use third-party hitch options, which do not support Tesla Tow Mode support or other features and can void your warranty.
Tow Package
The new package includes a high-strength steel tow bar with the standard 2” receiver and 7-pin connector. As the package enables Tow Mode, the full trailer harness is also part of the installation.
As per Tesla’s specifications, this hitch supports towing up to 2,200 lbs (998kg), which is lower than the Model Y, Model S, and Model X, whose hitch supports up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg). You’ll need a 2” hitch and a ball of your choice to get towing with this new receiver, which neatly tucks away underneath a panel that’s accessible via two plastic bolts, similar to the rest of Tesla’s lineup.
The tow package neatly tucks away when not in use.
Not a Tesla App
You can purchase the Model 3 Tow Package for $1,300 USD or $1765 CAD on the Tesla store or through your Tesla app. Installation is included in the price, and the parts are shipped directly to your local Tesla service center, where they’ll be installed. However, delivery can take one to two weeks.
As a note, this package is only compatible with the 2024+ Model 3 RWD and AWD. The Performance model is not compatible, likely due to the larger rear motor's size.
Installation
The total package price also includes shipping to your local Tesla Service Center. In addition, Tesla will enable the config changes that will allow you to use Tow Mode. The entire process takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the scope of work, as some Model 3s will require additional harness wiring.
It’s nice to see Tesla finally adding this much-missed feature to the North American Model 3, as many customers have had to use third-party solutions up to this point. Now, anyone can tow light loads with the refreshed Model 3 while also keeping their vehicle under warranty and taking advantage of Tow Mode.
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