Sam Altman Demands $50,000 Refund After 7.5-Year Tesla Roadster Wait

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is publicly seeking a refund from Tesla. He paid $50,000 for a vehicle reservation over seven years ago. The car has still not been delivered.Altman shared email evidence of his failed attempts to get his money back. His story has sparked a major online discussion about consumer trust and high-profile product delays.

Email Trail Reveals A Seven-Year Saga

Altman posted a series of email screenshots on social media. The first was a Tesla booking confirmation from March 2018. It stated his reservation was “paid in full.”The next screenshot showed an email he sent in 2025. He simply asked to cancel and requested his $50,000 refund. The final email revealed a critical problem.His refund request bounced back. The original Tesla confirmation email address was no longer active. According to Reuters, such long delays, while extreme, highlight challenges in the auto industry.

Social Media Reacts to the Billionaire’s Dilemma

The post quickly went viral, amassing millions of views. The public response was mixed and highly engaged. Many users expressed sympathy for the incredibly long wait.Others questioned his timing. Some pointed out that the new Tesla Roadster is reportedly slated for a reveal soon. They suggested he reconsider his refund request.A few comments focused on the financial aspect. One user joked about the sum being a minor issue between two billionaires. The conversation underscores the intense public interest in both Tesla and Altman.

IT Welcome to Derry Viewership Soars, Becomes HBO’s Third Biggest Debut

The situation puts a spotlight on pre-order practices for high-value goods. The resolution of the $50,000 Tesla refund remains unclear for now.

Thought you’d like to know

Which Tesla model did Sam Altman order?

Sam Altman reserved a Tesla Roadster. Tesla describes this vehicle as an all-electric supercar. The model has been subject to significant delays since its announcement.

Has Tesla commented on this situation?

As of now, Tesla has not issued a public statement. The company has not responded to Altman’s public post or his refund request via the defunct email channel.

How long has the new Tesla Roadster been delayed?

The next-generation Roadster was announced in 2017. Its launch has been postponed multiple times, leading to wait times of several years for early reservation holders like Altman.

What was the public reaction to his post?

The reaction was widespread and divided. Many were shocked by the 7.5-year wait, while others encouraged him to wait longer for the upcoming vehicle unveiling.