FIA drama: Villars sues federation over undemocratic election rules

It’s not every day that a would-be president sues the very organization she hopes to lead. But that’s exactly what Laura Villars, the Swiss challenger to incumbent FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has done – accusing F1’s governing body of running an election system unfit for democracy.

Villars has filed legal action in a Paris court over what she describes as “a lack of internal democracy and transparency” in the FIA’s presidential election process. The first hearing is set for 10 November, barely a month before the 12 December vote.

Under current FIA rules, presidential hopefuls must field a slate of seven vice-presidents, one from each of the six global regions. But in South America, only Fabiana Ecclestone – who happens to be aligned with Ben Sulayem – is eligible to stand. That effectively locks out all other candidates.

And while four people had announced their intention to run, only Ben Sulayem now meets the criteria.

A 'Constructive Dialogue' That Never Was

In her fiery statement criticizing the FIA’s procedures, Villars didn’t hold back, revealing that her efforts to engage with the FIA were met with silence.

“I have twice tried to open a constructive dialogue with the FIA on essential matters such as internal democracy and the transparency of electoral rules,” Villars said in a statement.

“The responses received were not up to the challenge. I am not acting against the FIA. I am acting to protect it. Democracy is not a threat to the FIA; it is its strength.”

Her legal filing asks the Paris court to postpone the December election until a final ruling can be made on the dispute — a move that could upend the FIA’s political calendar just weeks before one of its most consequential votes in years.

The court has also invited both parties to attend a conciliation meeting before the hearing. Villars, for her part, is entering the process with characteristic composure.

“I will go to this mediation hearing with the same attitude I have maintained from the beginning – calm, openness, and determination,” she said. “I hope it will finally lead to a sincere dialogue in the service of a FIA that is more modern, fair, and connected to its members.”

'Illusion of Democracy' or Moment for Reform?

Villars’ initiative comes on the heels of a blistering critique from former FIA steward Tim Mayer, who dropped his own presidential bid earlier this month, denouncing what he called an “illusion of democracy” and “ethics violations.”

Mayer’s FIA Forward campaign has since thrown its full weight behind Villars’ legal challenge.

“As we disclosed in Austin, Texas, we have submitted ethics complaints in relation to the election,” the campaign said in a statement.

“To date we have not even received an acknowledgement from the FIA. This is typical of our experience of the handling of the election by the FIA and mirrors the experience of Laura's campaign.

“We applaud the action taken by Laura as an important step to implement the necessary reforms for democracy and transparency. We will be supporting her effort with all the considerable knowledge and experience of our team, ultimately in the interest of seeing an open election for the FIA Member Clubs.”

A Long Shot with a Point

On the legal front, Villars’ case – filed through a ‘référé’ procedure allowing for urgent rulings – likely faces long odds. Even if the Paris court agrees to hear it swiftly, the window before the December election is narrow.

Still, her challenge has already struck a nerve across the motorsport world, sparking debate about how democratic the FIA truly is and whether its global structure can withstand scrutiny.

• Read also: Mayer abandons FIA presidential bid, slams ‘illusion of democracy’

Villars may not win this battle in court – but by dragging the issue of governance into the open, she’s forcing the FIA to confront uncomfortable questions about its own legitimacy while putting member clubs on notice.

In a sport obsessed with timing, her lawsuit could be perfectly timed – even if it’s a race she’s unlikely to win.

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