If AGI needs better hardware, then OpenAI has sped up development R&D for lowering the cost of compute and excited the next generation of scientists. He’s probably wrong unless he has access to the multiverse and he can check :)
FWIW, Achenbrenner discusses some of OpenAI's motivations here:
"One fighter with a sharp stick and nothing left to lose can take the day. They’ve no idea we’re coming. They’ve no reason to expect us. If we can make it to the ground, we’ll take the next chance. And the next. On and on until we win, or the chances are spent."
What?
It's a quote from, I believe, "Rogue One." The more salient question is "Why?", and to that I have no answer.
The idea of FC that OpenAI has much impact on when AGI will get here, relative to the large number of independent geniuses around the world, I find improbable.