The FIA can proceed with its presidential elections in December for now. Candidate-chair Laura Villars had previously filed a lawsuit against the organization, labeling the elections as ‘unfair’ after it emerged that only the incumbent FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, was eligible for the position. However, the Paris court ruled on Wednesday that the elections can proceed, although more intensive investigation will follow.
On Wednesday, the judge made an initial ruling in the case of Laura Villars against the FIA. The elections of December 12 can be held, but this does not absolve the international motorsport federation. “We take note of the ruling made today in the Paris court in the dispute between Laura Villars and the FIA,” reads a statement from Villars’ legal team. “The judge has not accepted any of the FIA’s arguments.”
New Hearing
Although the elections can proceed, the ruling is not a carte blanche. “The judge has not ruled on the substantive points,” the statement continues. “He also ruled that the alleged irregularities surrounding the elections must be investigated by the judges who handle the case in depth. Only they are competent to assess the legality of the election process.” Lawyer Robin Binsard confirms that the legal battle now moves to a substantive treatment. A first hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2026.
According to Laura Villars, the current FIA election process is far from fair. Although several candidates have come forward, only Ben Sulayem can actually stand for election. The FIA statutes stipulate that each candidate must nominate seven vice-presidents who collectively represent all world regions. However, only one person is eligible for South America; Fabiana Ecclestone, a loyal ally of Ben Sulayem.
