F1 | Historic challenge at the FIA: for the first time a woman runs for the presidency. For the first time in its history, the FIA faces a female candidate for president.

For the first time in its history, the FIA faces a female candidate for president

For the very first time in the history of the FIA, a groundbreaking presidential bid promises to open up scenarios never seen before in Formula 1. It is a turning point that could redefine the future of motorsport governance.

A surprising development has shaken the world of Formula 1: the FIA is preparing to face, for the first time ever, a female candidate for its highest office. The announcement marks a historic moment that has captured the attention of fans and insiders alike.

The 28-year-old Swiss driver Laura Villars, who has gained experience in Formula 3, Formula 4 and is currently competing in the Ligier European Series, has officially declared her candidacy for the presidency of the Federation. She will challenge the current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and former F1 commissioner Tim Mayer. The election is scheduled for December 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Laura Villars’ objectives

Villars’ program focuses on transparency, sustainability and inclusion. Among the key points of her campaign are giving more power to member clubs through regular consultations, reinforcing both financial and decision-making transparency, and introducing an FIA Eco-Performance label to reward excellence in sustainability. She also intends to expand the Women in Motorsport program with initiatives such as Girls on Track and dedicated mentorships, alongside the creation of a FIA Young Leaders Academy.

Her manifesto seeks to restore the Federation to being, in her own words, “the home of clubs and licences,” paving the way for a more democratic, transparent and inclusive future for the FIA and the entire motorsport ecosystem.

The race is officially on: will this historic candidacy succeed in forever changing the face of the FIA?