Two women are vying for the position of FIA president: who are they.

New candidates for the position of FIA president

According to The Sun: The competition for the presidency of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) is gaining momentum as new bright candidates join the race.

Current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem plans to run for re-election.

The president already has a competitor in American sports official Tim Mayer, with elections taking place in mid-December in Uzbekistan.

Currently, two more candidates have joined the competition, aiming to become the first women in this position.

Swiss racer and entrepreneur Laura Villars, 28, announced her candidacy last month, emphasizing the importance of diversity in motorsport.

This week, she was joined by Belgian model and auto journalist Virginia Philippot, 33. She announced her campaign on Monday, posting a statement on her Instagram.

“I am running for the position of FIA president. Not to be the first, but to ensure that I am not the last.”

“I believe motorsport should reflect the real world: bold, diverse, and united.”

“Let’s build an FIA that is truly inclusive of every voice, every story, every passion.”

Philippot, who was previously a model, won the title of Miss Belgium in 2012 and participated in the Miss International contest in 2017.

After that, she transitioned into motorsport, becoming a journalist and influencer.

She collaborates with teams such as Red Bull and Ferrari, sharing content on her Instagram, where she has 41 thousand followers.

In 2023, she founded a charity to support orphans and education in the Democratic Republic of Congo called 'Drive For Hope'.

Although her candidacy seems unlikely against strong competitors, the election results will be known on December 12.

The upcoming elections could be crucial for the FIA, given the growing interest in diversity and gender equality in motorsport. A woman winning this position could symbolize change in a very traditional industry, encouraging more women to participate in racing and motorsport activities.