Exclusive: The 28-year-old 'woman of my age' bidding to become FIA president

Laura Villars believes she can win the race to become president of the FIA after unexpectedly announcing her candidacy this week. She has joined the contest at an extremely late stage and remains relatively unknown compared to her rival candidates to become head of the governing body, which oversees the Formula 1 championship.

But she told The Mirror: "When you are an athlete and a true competitor at heart, you always enter a race with the goal of winning. That is naturally my objective. I will put all my energy and abilities into this race. I am fortunate to have a strong and brilliant team supporting me."

Villars, 28, created a sensation this week when she unexpectedly declared herself as the third contender for the position. Tim Mayer, a motorsport executive who worked as an F1 steward for over a decade before being dismissed last year, confirmed his challenge against current leader Mohammed ben Sulayem in July.

The FIA states it has not yet received formal notification of Villars' candidacy intentions, though the Swiss driver maintains this is "totally normal". She explained: "I still have until October 24th to formally submit my presidential list."

Villars, who has competed in championships including Formula 4 and Ferrari Challenge, acknowledges she is a comparative newcomer by comparison. She revealed: "I followed in the footsteps of my father, who was passionate about motorsport. From a very young age, I accompanied him to circuits, so it was natural for me to one day put on a helmet and gloves myself.

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"I started relatively late because I never intended to make it a career. For a long time, I focused on entrepreneurship. It's only been three years since I fully dedicated myself again to racing. I'm a young woman of my age who enjoys sports in general, travelling, culture, and spending time with friends. I also consider myself an entrepreneur in real estate, where I am following in my father's footsteps."

Mayer has been openly critical of current president Ben Sulayem, accusing the Emirati of presiding over a "reign of terror". Villars resisted any urge to be so critical and said: "For me, it's not about comparing myself to MBS, who has been leading the FIA for four years, but about bringing new ideas to the head of an institution that I would describe as a 'grand old lady' in need of fresh air.

"There is much to be done, especially for the clubs and members. The FIA is not only about motorsport, it is also about mobility and tourism, and member clubs must be more involved in decision-making. That is what I want to achieve. I also want to bring youth and a new dynamic. I am not here to push a superficial feminist agenda, but the fact that I am a woman can bring a fresh perspective and a new energy to the automobile world I am so passionate about, and which I intend to defend as FIA President."

Villars claims to be the first woman to stand for the FIA presidency. However, Ben Sulayem remains the overwhelming favourite for re-election despite facing fierce criticism from sections of the global motorsport community, with the arrival of a second challenger potentially dividing the opposition vote and undermining Mayer's bid.

Should Villars pull off a stunning victory, she would immediately join the likes of F1 Academy boss Susie Wolff as an inspirational figure for young girls across the globe. Whilst this matters to her, she insists championing female involvement in motorsport won't top her agenda.

She explained: "Not at all. Of course, it's something close to my heart, but it will not be my top priority. My main priorities are: Greater transparency, more democracy, stronger support for young people, as well as focusing on sustainability and safety, particularly for license holders. And I will not only concentrate on motorsport but also on tourism and the overall network of member clubs."