The First Woman in History Runs for President of FIA: Who Is She.

Laura Villars Becomes the First Female Candidate for FIA President

According to The Sun: Laura Villars is the first woman in history to run for the position of FIA president.

The 28-year-old Swiss driver announced her intention today to challenge the controversial president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Instagram @laura_villars Getty

Laura is also an entrepreneur and has appeared in fashion magazines such as Elle and L’Officiel.

A Driver with Ambitions

She participated in the Ferrari Challenge Europe championship in 2024. In her statement, she emphasized:

“FIA needs to become a federation of clubs and licensees again,”

“My ambition is to ensure a more democratic, transparent, and accountable governance open to women and new generations.”

“I am convinced that diversity and innovation are necessary in motorsport to inspire young generations worldwide.”

Villars began her career in motorsport at 14, competing in international sports car series. In 2023, she finished fifth in her first full season of the Ultimate Cup Series F3R and is currently competing in the Ligier European Series JS P4.

The presidential elections will take place on December 12 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, during the General Assembly.

In 2023, Villars finished fifth in her first full season of the Ultimate Cup Series F3R

Last December, former steward Tim Mayer announced his candidacy for the presidency and harshly criticized Sulayem, stating that FIA suffers from 'corrosive concentration of power'.

As part of her announcement, Villars presented her program, highlighting five key points, including sustainability and support for women in motorsport.

Opaque Governance Structure of FIA

During Sulayem's presidency, there have been numerous dismissals, including his deputy Robert Reid, who left his position earlier this year. Last year, Sulayem dismissed many key FIA executives, including heads of diversity and compliance.

Laura Villars could become an important figure in the changes that may affect FIA. Her candidacy focuses on issues of diversity and fresh approaches in motorsport. The presidential elections could significantly impact the future of FIA and the organization's development strategy.