The idea of Laura Villars as the president of the FIA is an inspiring one. A young swan in a pond full of piranhas.
In the past, the presidents of major sports federations were often middle-aged or older men with large egos who didn’t take the rules too seriously. From football (João Havelange, Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini) to the Olympic movement (Juan Antonio Samaranch) and from athletics (Primo Nebiolo, Lamine Diack) to volleyball (Ruben Acosta). They served not only the sport, but also – or especially – themselves. Just look it up on Google or AI, the scandals are too numerous for a single column. Corruption, bribery, abuse of power, cronyism: it seemed to be part of the game at that time.
In motorsport, we had classic presidents with peculiar habits and hobbies, such as Jean-Marie Balestre, Max Mosley, Jean Todt, and Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Diverse personalities, but with one common denominator: a love for status and power. On December 12, the current FIA president Ben Sulayem is expected to be re-elected for a new four-year term, weather permitting.
The week of Laura and Max?
Only Laura Villars is still resisting. Like a modern variant of the biblical story of David versus Goliath, she has demanded a suspension of the election in a Paris court due to procedural irregularities. This Wednesday, a few days before the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, the verdict is scheduled. It could become the week of the underdogs, Max Verstappen on the track, Laura beside it.
Ben Sulayem once wrote on his personal website that he dislikes women who think they are smarter than men. I imagine he has little patience for Laura Villars’ protest against his reign.
What was the situation again? For a long time, Ben Sulayem seemed to be the only candidate for the presidency. That was until American Tim Mayer stepped forward, soon followed by Laura Villars. Mayer primarily wanted to settle scores with Ben Sulayem, whom he accused of running an undemocratic reign of terror and fostering a culture of fear within the FIA offices. Villars was more ideologically driven, aiming to modernize the FIA and regain trust. Her candidacy, she wrote, was ‘not an act of opposition, but of protection’.
However, their candidacies were nipped in the bud by the fine print in the FIA regulations and a strategic key position held by Fabiana Ecclestone. Yes, the wife of Bernie Ecclestone. Fabiana Ecclestone is the vice president representing South America and has already aligned herself with Ben Sulayem’s team, making it virtually impossible for opponents of the incumbent president to run. I spoke to Ben Sulayem earlier this season at Silverstone. The interview took place the day after Mayer had presented himself as a counter-candidate. I noticed that the cheerful Ben Sulayem was not worried at all. I now understand why.
Conservative Stronghold
In motorsport, no one is under any illusions. Ben Sulayem will be wielding the scepter for the next four years. However, I would have found it wonderful if Laura Villars had become president. A young swan fearlessly entering a pond full of piranhas to make the sport more beautiful and future-proof. In a time when compliance, inclusivity, and transparency are important, she could have truly made a difference.
Motor racing stands for innovation, with Formula 1 as its flagship. But for the coming years, the FIA will remain a conservative stronghold. Unless a miracle happens on Wednesday.
