We sat down with Laura Villars, the first woman in history to put herself forward as a candidate for the FIA presidency.
28-year-old Swiss driver and entrepreneur. This is the profile of Laura Villars, the first woman in history to run for FIA president. In less than three months, on December 12, delegates from the national automobile clubs that are members of the Federation will choose who—between her, current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and former race director Tim Mayer—will take the reins of motorsport for the next four years.
Laura Villars entered the motorsport world at 14 and, in addition to competing in 58 races across the Ultimate Cup Series, Formula 4 UAE, Formula 4 SA, Ferrari Challenge Europe, and Ligier European Series, she has built a significant parallel career in entrepreneurship, becoming the CEO of two real estate companies in Switzerland. Just a few days after her candidacy announcement, we at GPKingdom interviewed her exclusively to learn about her story and ambitions.
At only 28 you are running to become the first woman FIA president: what motivated you to take this step right now? “I felt it was the right time. Motorsport has given me so much, but I have also seen its limits and the barriers many people face. At 28 I am young, but I believe this is also my strength: I bring new energy and I have the courage to challenge habits. It is time to show that leadership can be done differently.”
If you had to describe your vision for the future of the FIA in three words, which would you choose and why?
“Transparency, inclusion and innovation. Transparency because without trust nothing works. Inclusion because motorsport must be open to everyone, not just to a few privileged people. And innovation because our sport must always be ahead, not chasing others.”
In your opinion, what are the main flaws of the current FIA leadership and where would you start to change things?
“I believe that people often feel disconnected from decisions. There is too much distance between clubs and leadership. I would start by listening more, directly involving the clubs [national automobile clubs, ed.] and being very clear on finances and governance.”
You are running against very experienced figures such as Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Tim Mayer: what is your “winning card” compared to them? “I would rather not compare myself directly to the other candidates. Each of us brings something different. For me, it is about presenting my vision and letting the clubs decide what direction they want for the future of the FIA.”
You are running against very experienced figures such as Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Tim Mayer: what is your “winning card” compared to them? “I would rather not compare myself directly to the other candidates. Each of us brings something different. For me, it is about presenting my vision and letting the clubs decide what direction they want for the future of the FIA.”
You have raced in very different championships: is there one race or moment on track that you consider the turning point of your career? “Yes, the moment when I returned to racing after years devoted to my business activities. Returning to the podium made me realize that passion never disappears. It gave me the confidence to push myself further, both as a driver and as a leader.”
From driver to entrepreneur: how do you balance these two intense lives and what similarities have you found between them? “It is not always easy, but racing taught me discipline and resilience. In business you plan in advance, on track you react instantly. Both, however, require courage, focus and the ability to bring a team with you.”
What first drew you to motorsport and what childhood memory ties you most to this passion? “It all comes from my father. He loved racing and as a child I followed him to circuits. I remember the sound of the engines, the smell of fuel: it was magic. For me, putting on the helmet one day was completely natural.”
You have long fought for a greater presence of women and young people in motorsport: what concrete obstacles have you faced and what measures would you like to introduce? “The biggest obstacle was skepticism, not being taken seriously because you are a woman or because you are young. I want to expand mentoring programs, create a real academy for young leaders and ensure that girls and boys have equal access to opportunities.”
How much do you think your candidacy can inspire other young women to pursue a career in motorsport, either on track or in leadership roles? “I hope it shows that nothing is impossible. I never saw a woman at the top of the FIA while growing up. If my candidacy makes even one girl believe that not only can she drive, but also lead others, then it’s already worth it.”
The FIA oversees iconic championships like Formula 1, WRC, WEC and Formula E: what is your vision for the future of these series over the next 10 years? “Each must stay true to what makes it special, but also adapt. F1 must maintain its prestige. The WRC must embrace new energies. The WEC is the perfect laboratory for endurance and new mobility. And Formula E must be pushed even further.”
What role do you see for sustainability and new technologies in motorsport competitions? “A huge role. Motorsport has always been a laboratory for road cars. Now it is our task to push sustainable fuels, electric, hydrogen, new safety technologies and ensure that what we test on track brings benefits to everyday life.”
What is your vision of the balance between tradition (like Formula 1) and innovation (like Formula E)? “We don’t have to choose. Tradition gives us our roots, innovation gives us our future. Formula 1 inspires through history, Formula E shows what is coming next. Together they make motorsport stronger.”
Photo: Laura Villars on Instagram and X
