LAURA VILLARS Makes Historic FIA Presidential Bid Despite Industry Pushback

September 21, 2025

by LEWIS BROWNING // from www.dailymail.co.uk

• LAURA VILLARS is making history as the first woman to run for FIA president, challenging current chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem with a platform focused on democratic governance and enhanced Women in Motorsport programs. The 28-year-old Swiss driver’s campaign includes plans for a ‘FIA Eco-Performance’ initiative and a Young Leaders Academy, positioning motorsport to better inspire future generations through diversity and innovation.
• The racing community’s response reveals exactly why we need fresh leadership – critics are questioning whether her bid is just a “PR stunt” to boost her Instagram following, conveniently ignoring that her male competitors face no such scrutiny about their social media presence. VILLARS shut down the sexist double standard perfectly: “Do these people also have these doubts about my competitors? No.” She’s competing with substance, not apologies.
• VILLARS brings genuine motorsport credentials to her presidential bid, having been inspired by watching Formula One races with her father and testing Formula Four cars at 14. Her connection to Michael Schumacher’s era shaped her passion for the sport, and now she’s channeling that experience into systemic change. With the October 24 deadline approaching, her candidacy represents a pivotal moment for an organization that desperately needs the perspective she’s offering.

ABB FIA Formula E, fia women in motorsport, formula one, motorsport governance