In an astonishing twist that blends the worlds of tech innovation, motorsport power moves, and personal ambition, a leaked internal report from Tesla suggests that CEO Elon Musk had planned to unveil and gift a previously unannounced electric supercar to Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen — in a bold move to cement a Tesla-Red Bull Racing sponsorship deal.

The documents, leaked late last week by a former Tesla contractor, reveal a confidential project codenamed “Project Helios” — a revolutionary electric supercar reportedly designed to eclipse every known EV on the market. The Helios was intended as both a symbolic gift and a business statement: a car developed specifically for Verstappen, intended to be presented ahead of the proposed multi-million dollar sponsorship package Tesla was preparing to offer Red Bull Racing.

But with Verstappen allegedly rejecting the deal — and Tesla quietly retreating from its F1 aspirations — the fate of the Helios, and whether the three-time world champion will ever take the wheel, now hangs in the balance.

The Secret Supercar: What We Know About Project Helios

While Tesla’s lineup is already home to the high-performance Model S Plaid and the long-teased Roadster 2.0, Project Helios appears to be a class of its own. Internal slides included in the leak describe the vehicle as “a track-grade electric supercar optimized for F1 drivers, engineered to set new records in both speed and control.”

Here are the known specifications based on the leak:

0-60 mph in 1.6 seconds

Top speed of 267 mph (limited)

Tri-motor configuration with over 1,400 horsepower

Next-gen carbon-fiber monocoque chassis

Regenerative braking system with Formula E-derived tech

Customized race-mode cockpit developed with SpaceX aerospace materials

Estimated value: $3.2 million

Perhaps most intriguing is the name “Helios” — a nod to the Greek sun god, likely referencing Tesla’s solar tech lineage and Musk’s ongoing interest in mythology-inspired branding.

The vehicle was reportedly built as a one-off — with Verstappen’s racing number (1) subtly engraved into the chassis, and a custom dashboard designed to resemble the steering interface of a Red Bull RB20 Formula 1 car.

Musk’s F1 Ambitions: More Than Just a Car

The supercar gift wasn’t merely a personal gesture. Sources familiar with internal talks between Tesla and Red Bull Racing suggest Musk had planned to announce a strategic alliance between Tesla and Red Bull during the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. Tesla was prepared to enter as a technical sponsor, helping Red Bull develop hybrid-electric components for a rumored future shift in F1 regulations focused on sustainability and battery performance.

The plan, reportedly months in the making, included:

Tesla branding on Red Bull liveries starting in 2026

Joint R&D on high-efficiency powertrains

Exclusive appearances by Verstappen in Tesla marketing campaigns

Tesla Energy collaboration with Red Bull-owned facilities globally

“Elon wanted to change the face of motorsports,” said one source close to the talks. “He believed Tesla could be the driving force in an all-electric future of Formula 1. And Max was central to that vision.”

The Rejection That Changed Everything

Despite the grandeur of the plan, Verstappen ultimately declined.

According to insiders, the Dutch driver was “flattered but firm” in his decision, citing his long-standing loyalty to Red Bull and existing relationships with Honda and Oracle. Verstappen, known for his intense focus and straightforward approach, reportedly saw Tesla’s proposal as “too speculative” for his current racing goals.

“Elon overreached,” said a former Tesla executive who spoke under condition of anonymity. “He thought he could sway Verstappen with tech and prestige, but Max isn’t someone who’s easily lured. He’s racing to win, not to market.”

Verstappen’s camp has refused to comment officially on the leaked report, but a spokesperson for Red Bull Racing issued a vague statement:
“Our focus remains on performance, continuity, and trusted partnerships. Any potential future collaborations will be considered with careful strategic alignment.”

So… Will Max Still Get the Car?

That’s the million-dollar (or rather, $3.2 million) question.

Technically, the car exists. According to Tesla engineers familiar with Project Helios, the prototype was completed in March 2025 and has undergone private testing in Palo Alto and at a discreet runway in Nevada.

“Elon still considers it the most beautiful thing we’ve ever built,” said one engineer. “It’s not just a car. It’s a message.”

There are rumors Musk still wants to give the car to Verstappen — either as a peace offering, a delayed gesture of admiration, or perhaps in hopes of rekindling talks someday. But legal experts suggest gifting such a high-value asset in the context of failed negotiations could open Tesla to scrutiny from investors.

“Elon can give the car to anyone he wants,” said corporate lawyer Dana Huang, “but if that gift is tied to failed sponsorship deals, it could raise flags — especially with Tesla shareholders who might question the use of company assets.”

As of now, the Helios remains parked and hidden. Whether it will be unveiled, sold, repurposed — or simply shelved — is still unknown.

A Missed Opportunity or Strategic Withdrawal?

Some industry analysts view the collapse of the Tesla-Red Bull deal as a bullet dodged.

“Elon Musk is brilliant, but F1 is a tightly controlled, extremely competitive space,” said Simon Felton, motorsport analyst at Sky Sports. “Red Bull’s core engineering is deeply linked to Honda and other legacy partnerships. Bringing in Tesla would’ve shaken everything. Maybe Max saw that risk.”

Others, however, lament what could’ve been a historic crossover between tech and motorsport.

“A Tesla-powered Red Bull? A supercar gifted to the reigning world champion? That’s the kind of move that rewrites how we think about sponsorships,” said Emma Devereaux, editor-in-chief of Velocity Magazine. “Even if it failed, it shows where Musk wants to go next.”

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Tesla and F1?

While Tesla remains officially uninvolved in any F1 projects, Project Helios proves that the automaker is keeping a close eye on the world’s premier racing league.

As for Verstappen, he’s back to doing what he does best — dominating the F1 grid, currently leading the championship standings with six wins in eight races.

And the Helios? Perhaps it will remain a phantom — a car built for a moment that never came.

But in the world of Elon Musk, one thing’s certain: no idea ever stays shelved for long.