The world of motorsports has once again been rocked by the spectacular rejection of a $15 million contract by two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanpera from Elon Musk, the world’s richest man. The offer was linked to Rovanpera’s move to become a test driver for Red Bull’s F1 Academy, but the young Finn wasn’t interested in the money. Instead, he sent Musk a powerful message that has sparked widespread debate in and outside of motorsports circles: “Don’t believe that money can buy people, use it for better purposes.” Rovanpera’s words have fans and experts wondering what values ​​motorsports represent today.

Rovanpera and Musk first crossed paths in 2023, when the Finnish rally star tested a Red Bull F1 car in Austria. At the time, Rovanpera impressed Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who praised his ability to adapt to the demands of an F1 car. After the test, speculation about Rovanpera’s possible move to Formula 1 intensified, especially since Musk, who has supported Red Bull financially in recent years, saw potential in the Finn. Musk, known for his large financial investments and straightforward style, made an offer that would have made Rovanpera one of the highest-paid young drivers in motorsport. The $15 million deal also included the promise of a future racing driver position in the Red Bull F1 team if the tests went as expected.

Rovanpera’s decision to turn down the offer, however, did not come as a complete surprise to those who know his values. Earlier this year, Rovanpera has spoken openly about how he wants to focus on his mental well-being and choose his rally program carefully. In 2025, he will compete in the WRC on a partial program, which has given him time to consider the direction of his career. Rovanpera has also previously stressed that money is not his biggest motivation – he wants to compete for passion and leave his mark on motorsport on his own terms. However, his message to Musk was exceptionally direct and assertive, and it has attracted admiration, especially among motorsport fans.

Musk’s reaction to Rovanpera’s decision has been predictably colorful. On the X messaging service, which Musk owns, he commented on the situation sarcastically: “Apparently $15 million is not enough for a Finnish rally driver. Maybe he wants the moon from the sky?” Musk’s comment is a typical example of his way of dealing with adversity – with humor, but at the same time with a prickly tone. However, the exchange between Musk and Rovanpera has raised broader questions about the financing of motorsport and how large financial players, such as Musk, seek to influence the decisions of athletes. Musk’s role in motorsport has grown in recent years, and his interest in Formula 1 has been clear, but Rovanpera’s refusal shows that not everyone is ready to sell their values ​​for money.

Rovanpera’s words “use it for better purposes” have also made the motorsport community consider where large sums of money could be directed. For example, combating climate change and developing the sustainability of motorsport have been hot topics in recent years. The WRC has already taken steps towards a greener future by switching to hybrid cars, but many fans and experts have suggested that influential figures like Musk could fund projects that promote environmental responsibility in motorsport. Rovanpera’s message has been seen not only as a personal statement, but also as a reminder that motorsport must keep up with the times and respond to today’s challenges.

Rovanpera’s 2025 season has been a challenging one, but his performances on the track have shown that he remains one of motorsport’s brightest stars. His decision to focus on the WRC and reject Musk’s offer has cemented his reputation as a principled athlete who is not afraid to speak his mind. Meanwhile, Musk must continue to scout for new talent for Red Bull’s F1 project, but Rovanpera’s refusal is a stark reminder that money is not always everything – even in motorsport, where the financial stakes are huge. This episode will surely go down in motorsport history as proof that values ​​can outweigh dollars.