28-year-old Swiss racing driver Laura Villars announced on Thursday her intention to run for president of the FIA, motorsport’s governing body.
If she formally submits her candidacy before the October 24 deadline, Villars would become the first woman to run for the position.
“The FIA must once again be the federation of clubs and license holders,” Villars said. “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.”
Villars began her motorsport career at 14 and has competed across international sports car racing series. In 2023, she finished fifth in her first full-time Ultimate Cup Series F3R season, and she is currently racing in the Ligier European Series JS P4.
As part of her announcement, Villars outlined a five-point agenda. Her priorities include empowering clubs through regular consultations and participatory governance; strengthening transparency in finance and decision-making; introducing a “FIA Eco-Performance” label to recognize sustainability leadership; enhancing the Women in Motorsport program with initiatives such as Girls on Track and mentoring; and establishing a FIA Young Leaders Academy. Her final point is to position the FIA as a global benchmark in sustainable mobility and road safety.
Her candidacy comes as a surprise. Incumbent FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem appeared set to run unopposed for much of the year until American motorsport official Tim Mayer, 59, announced his bid in July. Mayer, a longtime racing executive and FIA steward, was dismissed from his stewarding role last December.
Carlos Sainz Sr., father of Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., also considered running but ultimately opted out in June, citing preparations for the Dakar Rally among his reasons for not pursuing a campaign.
The presidential election will take place on December 12 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, during the FIA’s General Assembly.
Each candidate must submit a full Presidential List, which includes a president of the senate, two deputy presidents (one for sport and one for automobile mobility and tourism), and seven vice presidents for sport, divided by region: one for the Middle East and North Africa, one for Africa, one for North America, one for South America, one for Asia-Pacific, and two for Europe.
Presidential Lists and supporting documents must be submitted between October 3 and 24. In November, the Nominations Committee will review each list for compliance with eligibility criteria before submitting approved candidacies to the General Assembly.