Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has made headlines again as he attended a Formula One Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, with his three-year-old son, X Æ A-12. The outing comes amid an ongoing custody battle with his ex-girlfriend, Canadian musician Grimes, over their three children.
Musk and his son were spotted enjoying the high-octane event, mingling with fans and Formula 1 staff. Photos and videos from the day show Musk carrying X Æ A-12 through the paddock and engaging in animated conversations with team representatives. The youngster, affectionately known as “X,” seemed captivated by the cars and the energy of the event, making it a memorable father-son outing.
The timing of the appearance has generated significant public interest, given the ongoing legal dispute between Musk and Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher. The couple, who were together from 2018 to 2021, have three children: X Æ A-12, Exa Dark Sideræl (nicknamed “Y”), and a third child whose name has not been disclosed. Despite their separation, Musk and Grimes have both emphasized their commitment to co-parenting, though recent reports suggest tensions over custody arrangements.
Musk, known for his busy schedule and high-profile career, has been criticized in the past for failing to balance his professional and personal life. However, his public appearance with X Æ A-12 at the Formula 1 event shows his efforts to maintain a close bond with his children. “Family is important, and moments like this are priceless,” Musk reportedly told a reporter at the event.
Grimes, for her part, has not publicly commented on the outing, though sources close to the musician suggest she remains focused on her music and artistic endeavors. The custody battle has, however, attracted media attention, with some speculating about how it could impact their ability to effectively co-parent.
Reaction to the event on social media was mixed. While many praised Musk for spending quality time with his son, others questioned whether the timing of the appearance was strategic, given the ongoing legal proceedings. “It’s great to see him with his kid, but it also feels like a public statement,” one user tweeted. Others defended Musk, pointing to his efforts to involve his children in his interests, such as space exploration and technology.
Formula 1 has long been a passion of Elon Musk, who is focused on innovation and engineering. His presence at the Austin Grand Prix was not entirely unexpected, as Tesla’s advances in electric vehicles have influenced discussions about the future of motorsport.
As the custody battle unfolds, moments like these highlight the complexity of balancing family dynamics and public opinion. Both Musk and Grimes have stressed their desire to prioritize their children’s well-being, despite their differences. For now, the Formula 1 event offered a glimpse into Musk’s personal life, showcasing a lighter side of the billionaire amid his many professional and personal challenges.
As the legal proceedings continue, one thing remains clear: Elon Musk is committed to making time for his family, even as he deals with the pressures of being one of the world’s most prominent figures.
