Swiss female racer shakes up FIA Presidency race with historic bid

Swiss female racer Laura Villars has thrown her helmet into the political ring, announcing that she will run for the FIA presidency this year.

At just 28, Villars is the first woman to declare candidacy for the highest office in world motorsport.

Her decision adds a new layer of intrigue to an already compelling contest, with Villars joining former FIA steward Tim Mayer in challenging incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Villars’ Vision for the FIA

Villars, who combines a racing career in the Ligier European Series with her work as an entrepreneur, laid out the principles guiding her candidacy in a brief but pointed statement.

“The FIA must once again be the federation of clubs and license holders,” she said.

“My ambition is a governance that is more democratic, more transparent, more responsible, and open to women and new generations.

“I strongly believe that motorsport needs diversity and innovation to keep inspiring younger generations worldwide.”

Her platform highlights five pillars of reform:

-Empower clubs through regular consultations and participatory governance.

-Strengthen transparency in finance and decision-making.

-Introduce a “FIA Eco-Performance” label recognising sustainability leadership.

-Enhance the Women in Motorsport program (Girls on Track, mentoring) and establish a FIA Young Leaders Academy.

-Position the FIA as a global benchmark in sustainable mobility and road safety.

Those points sketch a campaign aimed at reorienting the federation toward grassroots members and younger stakeholders — and at tying competitive motorsport to broader social and environmental responsibilities.

A Candidacy Unlikely to be Taken at Face Value

Villars’ candidacy is striking precisely because it breaks with the typical profile of FIA leadership hopefuls.

The presidency has historically been contested by established administrators, longtime federation figures or heavyweight national-powerbacked candidates.

A 28-year-old active racer and entrepreneur entering the fray is unusual, and many insiders will almost certainly view the bid as symbolic rather than a fully backed power challenge.

• Read also: Mayer adds to criticism of FIA amid ‘terrible erosion of governance’

In short: it’s unlikely to be taken with great seriousness by those used to the traditional horse-trading and networks that decide such offices.

That said, symbolic bids matter. Even if Villars’ path to the presidency is narrow, her platform highlights gaps — in governance, transparency and inclusion — that have attracted growing scrutiny.

By putting concrete proposals into the public arena, she forces a conversation that otherwise might remain internal.

Whether Villars can translate her ideas into votes remains an open question. But as the first female candidate to step forward, she has already altered the narrative.

In a sport and an organisation long dominated by tradition, that in itself is news — and a reminder that fresh voices can reshape what feels possible, even when the odds are steep.

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