Laura Villars has announced a surprise bid for the FIA presidency, setting up a three-way contest in December against incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem and American official Tim Meyer.
At 28, Villars is both the youngest candidate and the first woman to seek the role at motorsport’s governing body. Until her declaration on Thursday, she was relatively unknown in international racing circles and had given no public signal that she would stand.
Despite the suddenness of her campaign, Villars insisted her run has been carefully prepared. “I have everything planned, the programme, the team around me,” she told ESPN. “It has been months in the making. I am very confident.”
Villars has until October 24 to submit formal paperwork outlining her cabinet of officials.
She is campaigning on a platform of transparency, stronger support for FIA member clubs, and greater investment in youth and women in motorsport. She also emphasised the importance of reducing financial barriers for talented drivers.
“For me, governance must be transparent and democratic,” she said. “I want to refresh the FIA, empower women, and help young drivers achieve their dreams regardless of money.”
Her candidacy has sparked both scepticism and intrigue. Some question her limited profile in global motorsport, while others see her entry as a symbolic step towards modernising the FIA. Villars dismissed doubts over her experience, stressing her lifelong involvement in racing.
“I hope my candidacy inspires others,” she said. “Perhaps it looks unusual today, but tomorrow it should be normal.”
The election, to be held on December 12, will be decided by FIA member clubs worldwide. Historically, these contests mirror political campaigns, with candidates relying heavily on alliances and networks.
Villars claims to already have support “from clubs across the globe” and says her team includes “many experienced figures.”
