Who Is Laura Villars as She Becomes First Woman to Run for FIA President

Laura Villars made history as she became the first woman in FIA history to run for for the presidency.

The 28-year-old confirmed on Thursday that she will stand for the biggest job in motorsport's global governing body.

She said: "The FIA must once again be the federation of clubs and license holders. My ambition is a governance that is more democratic, more transparent, more responsible, and open to women and new generations.

"I strongly believe that motorsport needs diversity and innovation to keep inspiring younger generations worldwide."

The FIA's presidential election will take place on 12 December during the General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Villars will face strong competition for the role, with the incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem running for a second term.

Former FIA steward Tim Mayer, 59, has also announced his candidacy.

Current FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem. Image: Peter Fox - Formula 1 / Contributor via Getty

Who is Laura Villars?

Born on 29 August 1997 in Switzerland, Villars has a background across Formula 3 and Formula 4, and has long advocated for greater female involvement in motorsport.

She has made 58 race start herself, competing in the Ultimate Cup Series F3R, F4 UAE and Ferrari Challenge Europe.

In her first full Ultimate Cup Series F3R season, she finished an impressive fifth place overall.

She has competed racing since, most recently in the Ligier European Series JS P4, which is an entry-level race.

Away from the track, Villars has experience in business management and marketing, alongside ventures in real estate and luxury goods.

Tim Mayers announced he will run for the FIA Presidency. Image: Clive Mason / Staff via Getty

What is her manifesto?

Villars is running for the presidency based around five key priorities that she outlined in her manifesto:

• Empower clubs through regular consultations and participatory governance.
• Strengthen transparency in finance and decision-making.
• Introduce a "FIA Eco-Performance" label recognizing sustainability leadership.
• Enhance the Women in Motorsport program (Girls on Track, mentoring) and establish a FIA Young Leaders Academy.
• Position the FIA as a global benchmark in sustainable mobility and road safety.

What does the FIA President do?

The FIA president figurehead of motorsport's governing body and motoring organisations across member countries.

They oversee changes to the championships under FIA jurisdiction, including F1, the World Rally Championship and the World Endurance Championship.

A key part of the role is acting as the organisation's representative on the world stage when they meet senior figures and stakeholders.

They also chair the FIA General Assembly, which takes key policy decisions.

The president can recommend their own changes and have some powers to directly make alterations.

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