Laura Villars has announced herself as a surprise third candidate for the FIA presidency, and the Swiss racer says she will bring a ‘new dynamic’ to the motorsport world
Glam racing driver Laura Villars has announced herself as a shock candidate for the FIA presidency.
Despite joining the race at a late stage and being relatively unknown compared to her competitors, the 28-year-old is adamant about her intention to win the upcoming FIA presidential election in December.
“When you are an athlete and a true competitor at heart, you always enter a race with the goal of winning,” she declared to The Mirror. “That is naturally my objective. I will put all my energy and abilities into this race. I am fortunate to have a strong and brilliant team supporting me.”
This week, 28-year-old Villars, who is also an entrepreneur and has featured in fashion magazines like Elle and L’Officiel, caused quite a stir when she unexpectedly announced herself as the third contender for the position.
Tim Mayer, a motorsport executive who served as an F1 steward for over a decade until his dismissal last year, had confirmed his campaign against current president Mohammed ben Sulayem back in July.
Speaking on her candidacy, the Formula 4 and Ferrari Challenge racer explained: “I followed in the footsteps of my father, who was passionate about motorsport. From a very young age, I accompanied him to circuits, so it was natural for me to one day put on a helmet and gloves myself.
“I started relatively late because I never intended to make it a career. For a long time, I focused on entrepreneurship. It’s only been three years since I fully dedicated myself again to racing.
“I’m a young woman of my age who enjoys sports in general, travelling, culture, and spending time with friends. I also consider myself an entrepreneur in real estate, where I am following in my father’s footsteps.”
Mayer has been vocally critical of current president Ben Sulayem, accusing the Emirati of presiding over a “reign of terror”.
Villars resisted any urge to be so critical and said: “For me, it’s not about comparing myself to MBS, who has been leading the FIA for four years, but about bringing new ideas to the head of an institution that I would describe as a ‘grand old lady’ in need of fresh air.
“There is much to be done, especially for the clubs and members. The FIA is not only about motorsport, it is also about mobility and tourism, and member clubs must be more involved in decision-making. That is what I want to achieve.
“I also want to bring youth and a new dynamic. I am not here to push a superficial feminist agenda, but the fact that I am a woman can bring a fresh perspective and a new energy to the automobile world I am so passionate about, and which I intend to defend as FIA President.”
Villars claims she is the first woman to run for the presidency of the FIA. However, despite his widespread unpopularity within certain sectors of the global motorsport community, Ben Sulayem remains the firm favourite to secure re-election.
The emergence of a second contender could divide the opposition vote and hinder Mayer’s campaign.
Yet, if Villars were to unexpectedly win the race, she would immediately join the ranks of influential figures like F1 Academy head Susie Wolff, serving as an inspiration for young girls everywhere.
While this holds significance for her, she asserts that encouraging female involvement in motorsport will not be among her top priorities.
She stated: “Not at all. Of course, it’s something close to my heart, but it will not be my top priority.
“My main priorities are: Greater transparency, more democracy, stronger support for young people, as well as focusing on sustainability and safety, particularly for license holders. And I will not only concentrate on motorsport but also on tourism and the overall network of member clubs.”
Speaking in another interview with Motorsportweek, Villars indicated that she has the backing of major powers in F1 behind her candidacy.
“I decided a few months ago [to run], already with a big team behind me, because I want to refresh a bit this FIA motorsport world,” she said.
“I want to show how I have a new vision and it’s not about a matter of gender. I know my candidacy is quite unusual, but today it will be like a big normal for tomorrow.
“So, for me, what obsessed me in this candidacy is to share all what I had in my experience as a racing driver and I want to show and give to the clubs more transparency.”
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