Tesla and SpaceX visionary CEO Elon Musk has expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen following the latter’s heartwarming reaction to Nico Hulkenberg’s maiden Formula 1 podium at the British Grand Prix. Verstappen, the four-time world champion, shared a heartfelt congratulatory message on social media, expressing his joy for his good friend Hulkenberg finally standing on the podium after 239 races. Musk, a well-known Formula 1 enthusiast, praised Verstappen for his sportsmanship and expressed his desire to work with the Red Bull driver on a future project, which caught the attention of fans and media worldwide.
The British Grand Prix, held at the iconic Silverstone circuit, was a spectacle that attracted 500,000 spectators. While Lando Norris won the race and Oscar Piastri was given a controversial time penalty, it was Hülkenberg’s third place for Sauber that stole the hearts. Verstappen, who himself finished a disappointing fifth after a spin in the rain, was the first to congratulate Hülkenberg. “This is the best day of the day,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of himself and Hülkenberg. The message was shared en masse on X, where fans praised Verstappen’s friendship and class. Musk responded on X shortly after, writing: “Max is not only a champion on the track, but also off it. His respect for his friend is inspiring. I would love to work with him.”
Musk’s admiration for Verstappen is nothing new. The billionaire has previously spoken of his fascination with Formula 1 and Verstappen’s unparalleled driving style. In a recent post on X, Musk called Verstappen “a phenomenon who combines consistency and talent in a way that is rare.” The suggestion of a partnership has sparked speculation about what it could entail, with some suggesting a Tesla sponsorship of Red Bull, while others have speculated an innovative project involving electric motorsports or even a SpaceX-related stunt. While details are lacking, Musk’s open interest has drawn attention to Verstappen’s growing influence outside of Formula 1.
Verstappen’s friendship with Hülkenberg, which dates back to their karting days as teenagers, added an emotional layer to the moment. Hülkenberg, who struggled for years without a podium, called Verstappen’s congratulations “heartwarming” in an interview with Viaplay. “Max was the first to come up to me. We have a lot of respect for each other,” he said. The moment underscored Verstappen’s reputation as a driver who isn’t just about winning, but also about camaraderie. On X, fans praised this bond, with one user writing: “Max shows what real sportsmanship is. Musk is right to admire him.”
The race itself was a challenge for Verstappen, whose Red Bull struggled with a set-up issue and tyre problems in the wet. Despite taking pole position, he could not compete with McLaren, which benefited from superior tyre management and brake cooling. Verstappen acknowledged afterwards that Red Bull was lagging behind, trailing championship leader Piastri by 61 points. Still, his focus remained on Hülkenberg’s success, further underscoring Musk’s praise. The Tesla CEO, who often champions innovation and excellence, sees a kindred spirit in Verstappen, fuelling speculation of a partnership.
The Formula 1 community is buzzing about the possibilities of a Musk-Verstappen partnership. While Musk’s involvement in the sport has been limited, his interest in technology and performance has led to speculation about a larger role for Tesla in motorsport. Verstappen’s status as a four-time champion and his ability to perform under pressure make him an ideal partner for Musk’s ambitious plans. At X, fans have been discussing potential projects, from an electric race car to a promotional campaign that capitalizes on Verstappen’s global appeal.
As the Formula 1 season rages on, Verstappen’s sporting gesture to Hulkenberg remains a highlight of Silverstone. Musk’s praise and call for collaboration has shone a spotlight on the Dutchman, not just as a driver, but as a figure who embodies the values of respect and innovation. What the future holds for this potential partnership remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Verstappen’s influence extends beyond the track, and Musk is ready to harness it.
