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Former Luminar CEO Austin Russell, who stepped down earlier this year amidst an ethics inquiry, is maneuvering to regain control of the lidar company. Russell’s newly formed Russell AI Labs aims to acquire 100% of Luminar’s Class A common stock. The acquisition attempt reportedly stems from invitations extended by certain Luminar shareholders and board members. While the details surrounding Russell’s departure and the ethics investigation remain confidential, Luminar has been grappling with financial headwinds. Russell AI Labs intends to list publicly under the same stock ticker, “LAZR.” Launched in September, Russell’s new venture boasts executive talent from Mercedes-Benz and Softbank. Luminar, a prominent lidar system provider for autonomous vehicles, has supplied sensors to major automotive manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Tesla.