Former model Virginie Philippot enters FIA presidential race for 2025. Virginie Philippot has officially announced her candidacy for the FIA presidency in 2025.

FIA elections 2025: former model Virginie Philippot runs for presidency

After Swiss racing driver Laura Villars, another woman has entered the race for the FIA presidency: Virginie Philippot. The Belgian candidate, born in 1992 and originally from Brussels, is a former model who competed in contests such as Miss Belgium 2012 and Miss International 2017 before founding the charity association Drive For Hope, which aims to support orphans in the Democratic Republic of Congo and promote education in the country.

A motorsport enthusiast for many years, Virginie Philippot is also known to French television audiences for her participation in the sixth edition of Secret Story on TF1.

This afternoon, she officially announced her candidacy for FIA president through her Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, declaring: “I am running for the presidency of the FIA. Not to be the ‘first,’ but to make sure I am not the last. I believe motorsport must reflect the real world: bold, diverse and united. As a woman with a global vision and deep roots, I am here to open doors that have remained closed for too long. Let’s build a truly inclusive FIA for every voice, every story, every passion. The race towards the future begins now.”

She continued: “I take this step with determination, not only as a woman and a representative of a new generation, but also as someone who deeply believes in the power of motorsport to unite, inspire and open new horizons.”

Virginie Philippot then outlined her goals: “My vision is clear: a Federation closer to its clubs, fairer towards its members and stronger in its global mission. A Federation that offers real opportunities to young talent, that opens doors to Africa and emerging regions, that acts decisively on road safety and embraces the energy of the future with responsibility and ambition. This is not just a campaign, it is a call for renewal. Together, with the courage to innovate and the strength to unite, we can build an FIA that honors its heritage while shaping its future with determination.”