Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, made headlines once again as he attended a Formula 1 Grand Prix event in Austin, Texas, with his three-year-old son, X Æ A-12. The outing comes amidst 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 personnel. 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 young boy, affectionately known as “X,” appeared captivated by the cars and the energy of the event, making it a memorable father-son outing.

The timing of the appearance has sparked significant public interest, given Musk’s ongoing legal dispute with Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher. The pair, who were together from 2018 to 2021, share three children: X Æ A-12, Exa Dark Sideræl (nicknamed “Y”), and a third child whose name has not been disclosed. Despite their separation, both Musk and Grimes have 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 faced criticism in the past for balancing his professional and personal life. However, his public appearance with X Æ A-12 at the Formula 1 event showcases his efforts to maintain a close bond with his children. “Family is important, and moments like this are priceless,” Musk reportedly told a journalist at the event.

Grimes, on the other hand, has not publicly commented on the outing, though sources close to the musician suggest she remains focused on her music and artistic projects. The custody battle, however, has drawn media scrutiny, with some speculating about how it could impact their ability to co-parent effectively.

Social media reactions to the event have been 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 child, but it also feels like a public statement,” one user tweeted. Others defended Musk, highlighting his efforts to involve his children in his interests, such as space exploration and technology.

Formula 1 has long been a passion for Musk, aligning with his focus on innovation and engineering. His presence at the Austin Grand Prix was not entirely unexpected, as Tesla’s advancements in electric vehicles have influenced discussions about the future of motorsports. 

As the custody battle unfolds, moments like these highlight the complexities of balancing family dynamics in the public eye. Both Musk and Grimes have emphasized 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.

While the legal proceedings continue, one thing remains clear: Elon Musk is determined to make time for his family, even as he navigates the pressures of being one of the world’s most high-profile figures.