Villars Takes FIA to Court Over “Undemocratic” Presidential Election Rules

Villars Launches Legal Case Against FIA Over Presidential Election Process

Swiss racing driver Laura Villars has filed legal action against the FIA—motorsport’s global governing body—alleging that its current presidential election structure blocks democratic opposition.

Villars, who had planned to stand in the December 2025 presidential race against incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is challenging the rule that effectively prevents rival candidates from entering the race.

The legal summons was submitted to a Paris court, with a hearing scheduled for 10 November. The request aims to suspend the FIA presidential election until the process is reviewed for compliance with the body’s own statutes and French democratic standards.

What’s at Stake?

The case centers on a technical clause in the FIA election rules requiring candidates to submit a full list of vice-presidential nominees, one from each of the FIA’s six global regions.

In 2025, however, the list of eligible South American candidates includes only one name—Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone—who is aligned with Ben Sulayem. That blocks any opposing candidate from legally submitting a complete vice-presidential slate.

Villars’ legal team argues this is a violation of Article 1.3 of the FIA statutes, which promises democracy, transparency, and fairness in governance.

Villars: “Democracy Is Not a Threat to the FIA”

“This step is neither hostile nor political. It is a responsible and constructive initiative to safeguard transparency, ethics, and pluralism,” Villars told BBC Sport.

“Democracy is not a threat to the FIA; it is its strength.”

She added that she approached the FIA twice to discuss internal democracy and election transparency but received no adequate response.

Mediation First

The court has called for a mediation session, which Villars says she will attend “with calm and determination.”

If her case is successful, the 12 December election could be suspended, and Ben Sulayem would remain in place in a caretaker capacity without the power to make strategic decisions. A neutral external caretaker may even be installed by the court.

Tim Mayer Also Criticizes Process

Former FIA presidential hopeful Tim Mayer recently dropped out, citing a “lack of transparency” and “illusion of democracy.”

“We submitted ethics complaints, but haven’t even received an acknowledgment,” Mayer stated.

Not the First Challenge

This isn’t the first time the FIA election process has faced legal scrutiny:

• David Ward obtained an injunction in 2013 in a failed bid to run against Jean Todt.

• Ari Vatanen entered mediation in 2009 after Max Mosley announced his departure.

What’s Next?

With the court date looming and pressure building, this case could reshape the FIA’s electoral structure—or cement a precedent for restricted competition in future presidential bids.