The 28-year-old Swiss becomes the first woman in history to run for the leadership of the Federation: she will face Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the upcoming elections.
A historic turning point in motorsport: Swiss racing driver Laura Villars, 28, has officially announced her candidacy for the presidency of the FIA. For the first time in the Federation’s history, a woman is running to lead the body that governs global motorsport competitions.
Villars will challenge current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the next elections, bringing forward a fresh, change-driven vision. Her program focuses on internal democracy, transparency, and inclusion, with particular attention to younger generations.
Laura Villars’ words
“The FIA must once again become the federation of clubs and license holders. My ambition is to build governance that is more democratic, more transparent, more accountable, and more open to women and the younger generations. I firmly believe motorsport needs diversity and innovation to continue inspiring young people around the world,” Villars stated in her official announcement.
Villars’ FIA program – as reported
Here’s the possible program:
- Strengthen clubs through regular consultations and participatory governance.
- Increase transparency in finance and decision-making processes.
- Introduce an “FIA Eco-Performance” label to recognize leadership in sustainability.
- Enhance the Women in Motorsport program (Girls on Track, mentoring) and establish an FIA Young Leaders Academy.
- Position the FIA as a global benchmark in sustainable mobility and road safety.
