Intel plans to take self-driving car unit public in the U.S. in mid-2022

Perhaps it allows speculation to push up the value of this unit more than would be possible if it was a proper subsidiary. For example, would Rivian be worth as much without the hype on the stock market, for example if Amazon owned it out-righ? I doubt it.

Plus, selling part of the company allows raising some cash for their elevated capital expenditures, which were critizised by their shareholders.

Can't speak for you individually, but once one starts having to rely on it day after day while they notice all of the more important things they have to do (phone calls, emails, late projects, hair, makeup, food, etc) instead of nervously following the road, this will pass.

OTOH I'm extremely willing to believe that surpassing the average driver is possible.