Elon Musk Abandons Tesla and AI to Focus on Rockets

Elon Musk Shifts His Priorities Towards Space

As Tesla shareholders worry about the company's future, Elon Musk seems to have very different priorities. Contrary to what one might think, neither Tesla nor artificial intelligence occupies the top of his concerns. In fact, Musk's true driving force lies in his long-standing passion for rockets and space exploration.

The public has long imagined Elon Musk as a CEO wholly dedicated to Tesla and AI, sacrificing his nights to advance his ventures. However, internal testimonies reveal that his true priority has never been to maximize sales or dominate the market. Musk plans to significantly reduce his time spent at Tesla to refocus on his first passion: rockets. He intends to delegate more responsibilities to his teams, allowing them to run the company without him.

Jon McNeill's Revelations

It was Jon McNeill, former president of sales and service at Tesla, who shared this information with the Washington Post. In his book titled "The Algorithm," McNeill unveils a lesser-known side of his former boss.

For Musk, success translates to minimal presence at Tesla. According to McNeill, the billionaire was primarily looking to reduce his commitment at Tesla to one day a week so he could fully devote himself to his passion for rockets. This ambition is surprising, especially knowing that investors expect him to be fully engaged.

"I think it's been obvious for years: 'When I asked him what success looked like,' McNeill told WaPo, 'he replied: ‘Success is reducing myself to one day a week at Tesla so I can return to my first passion, which is rockets.'"

This delegation strategy allows Musk to free up his schedule, convinced that his teams are capable of managing operations, launching new initiatives, and adjusting strategies without his constant oversight.

An Unwavering Attachment to Space

Behind the glitz of electric cars and the promises of revolutionary AI, Elon Musk maintains a deep attachment to space. When he is not absorbed in Tesla's affairs, he dedicates his time to SpaceX and space exploration.

Remote Business Management

This desire for withdrawal is not new, according to executives close to the matter. Elon Musk views automotive management as a step already taken. He aspires to transform his role into that of a remote consultant.

This priority of Musk explains some surprising behaviors internally. McNeill recounts having altered a business strategy without informing Musk, who welcomed this autonomy with enthusiasm.

Musk appreciates that his lieutenants take the reins of the empire in his stead, providing him with the freedom necessary to focus on his space projects. For him, the goal is to step back behind profiles capable of self-management. Thus, the car manufacturer operates almost independently of its creator.

The contrast is striking. Musk has always cultivated the image of a hyperactive leader, but testimonies reveal a man who balances work and passion. Even in projects like DOGE, teams work intensely, while Musk can enjoy his leisure time. This duality between public image and internal reality raises questions about the construction of his legend.