Laura Villars: The Unexpected Candidate for FIA President

Laura Villars, a 28-year-old Swiss racing driver, has emerged as a surprising third candidate for the FIA presidency, challenging incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem and former F1 steward Tim Mayer. Her unexpected bid has raised questions about her qualifications and the official status of her candidacy.

Why it matters:

Villars's candidacy introduces an unprecedented element into the typically staid FIA presidential race. As a young, active female driver, her entry could signal a desire for a new direction within motorsport's governing body, potentially pushing for greater inclusivity and a fresh perspective on its future. However, the current ambiguity surrounding her official application also highlights the stringent processes involved in such high-profile elections.

The Details:

• Unexpected Entry: Villars, a 28-year-old Swiss national, announced her candidacy for the December election, joining an already established field.
• FIA Response: An FIA spokesperson confirmed that the organization had not received any official candidacy application from Villars, a critical step for inclusion on the ballot for the election set to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
• Racing Background: Villars debuted in racing in 2023 in the Formula 3-level Ultimate Cup Series and also competed in UAE Formula 4. In 2024, she moved to Saudi Arabia Formula 4.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: According to her LinkedIn profile, Villars founded her own management company around the time of her racing debut, alongside other business interests established in 2021.
  • Her biography describes her as a "passionate entrepreneur and committed racing driver" with a background in business, luxury, and high-performance sport. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is CEO of two companies she founded.
• Current Competition: In 2025, Villars is competing in the Ligier European Series, an endurance-inspired championship. Driving the JS P4 machine with teammate Dario Cabanelas, she has achieved a best finish of 10th place, earning two points after four rounds and seven races.

What's next:

Villars's future in the FIA presidential race hinges on the submission and acceptance of a formal application. If her candidacy is officially recognized, it will mark a significant moment for the FIA, bringing a unique perspective from an active participant in grassroots motorsport. However, without a formal application, her current announcement remains largely symbolic. The unfolding situation will be closely watched to see if this surprising contender can navigate the procedural hurdles and truly challenge for one of motorsport's most powerful positions.