Laura Villars, 28, launches bid to be first woman FIA president
Gen Z racer and motorsport figure Laura Villars has announced her candidacy for the FIA presidency, becoming a surprise third contender alongside incumbent Mohammed ben Sulayem and challenger Tim Mayer. At 28, Villars would be the first woman to lead the governing body if elected.
The field
- Mohammed ben Sulayem (incumbent)
- Tim Mayer (challenger)
- Laura Villars (new entrant)
Why it’s significant
Villars’s entry introduces a generational and gender milestone into the FIA leadership race, potentially reshaping priorities around governance, innovation and inclusion across global motorsport and mobility.
What to watch
Expect platforms and manifestos to sharpen in the coming weeks, outlining positions on cost control, sustainability, grassroots development and safety—core pillars for the next FIA mandate.