20/09/2025 10:03
A 28-year-old disruptor joins a two-horse race
The FIA presidential election on 12 December in Uzbekistan was shaping up as a straight contest between incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem and challenger Tim Mayer — until Laura Villars, a 28-year-old Italian-Swiss from Geneva, announced her candidacy.
Who is Laura Villars?
Villars’ entry caught much of the motorsport world off guard. Her bid aims to broaden the debate around governance, representation, and the future direction of the FIA at a moment of rapid technological and commercial change in global motorsport.
Why her candidacy matters
- It adds a younger voice to a high-stakes election traditionally dominated by veteran administrators.
- It forces a wider discussion on transparency, cost control, safety, and sustainability across series.
- It brings fresh scrutiny to how the FIA can balance elite competition with grassroots mobility and inclusion.
With the election nearing, Villars’ platform and alliances will come under the spotlight — turning a predictable showdown into a three-way contest with new dynamics.
