Laura Villars, a 28-year-old Swiss racing driver, has done something no woman in motorsport has ever done before: she’s actually trying to run for president of Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.
“Trying” is the operative word.
Despite FIA’s PR script about being “open and democratic,” the reality is closer to Vatican politics with better suits. To even get on the ballot, a candidate needs seven VPs from seven global regions. There’s precisely one eligible VP from South America—Fabiana Ecclestone—and surprise, she’s already on Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s ballot. Translation: nobody else can technically run.
Villars isn’t delusional. She knows she isn’t set up to win this time around. She’s running to expose the system—a structure built to protect incumbents, not invite challengers.
As Lali says on the podcast, “It’s not an election. It’s a coronation wrapped in paperwork.”
She’s also taking hits: trolls, institutional skepticism, and that charming bit of ageism that tells a 28-year-old woman she’s “too young.” Her response? Keep pushing. Make noise. Force the sport to look at itself in the mirror.
The best bit? When asked to choose between winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans or becoming FIA president, she picked the presidency.
Change won’t come in 2025. But Villars has already said it: she’s coming back in 2029.
And if nothing else, she’s cracked open the door to a conversation the sport’s been too cozy to have.
🎧 Watch the full interview — it’s a fascinating look at how power really works in motorsport.
Bits and Bobs
A video discussing this process, where Ferrari’s pit crew helped a hospital in England save the lives of babies in the NICU, has been circulating, and it reminded me of a thread I wrote.
Formula 1 is leaning into its place as a beacon of culture and entertainment. Amelia Dimoldenberg, creator of Chicken Shop Date, is working with F1 on a new series called Passenger Princess. I wrote more about it on LinkedIn on what I believe it means for F1, its new fans, and creators.
F1 Grid Gigs pre-race show debuts in Austin
Formula One Group has launched its new pre-race opening show “F1 Grid Gigs,” presented by American Express, making its debut at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. The show features live performances and exclusive paddock interviews designed to engage fans before FP1 begins.
Ferrari appoints aew Chief Communication Officer
Scuderia Ferrari has named Maria Conti as Chief Communication Officer, reporting to CEO Benedetto Vigna. Conti joins from a senior role at a global luxury brand and will lead Ferrari’s press, digital, and brand communications worldwide.
George Russell has signed a contract extension with Mercedes
George Russell is set to make a massive £30 million per season under his new Mercedes contract, which was only recently announced.
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