In a stunning twist that’s set the Formula 1 world ablaze, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has thrown his full support behind 28-year-old Laura Villars, the first woman ever to run for FIA President. The Swiss-Italian racer and entrepreneur from Geneva is challenging incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the December 12, 2025, election in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and her campaign is already being hailed as a seismic shift for the sport. At the same age as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Villars represents a bold, youthful vision that could not only break gender barriers but also breathe new life into Hamilton’s beleaguered Ferrari team, where he has been racing since the beginning of 2025 with disappointing results.
Villars, born August 29, 1997, is no stranger to the track. She’s competed in Formula 3 and Formula 4, raced in the 2023 Ultimate Cup Series (F3R class), and currently battles in the 2025 Ligier European Series (JS P4 category) alongside Dario Cabanelas at iconic circuits like Le Mans and Spa. But it’s her off-track ambition that’s making waves. Announcing her candidacy on September 18, Villars promised an “independent, modern, and responsible” FIA, with a manifesto laser-focused on transparency, sustainability, and empowering women and youth. Her pledge to expand programs like “Girls on Track” and launch a “FIA Young Leaders Academy” has struck a chord with Hamilton, who’s long championed diversity in motorsport.
“Laura’s vision is what F1 needs,” Hamilton declared on X, sparking a frenzy. “She’s fearless, forward-thinking, and her leadership could finally drag the FIA into the 21st century.” His endorsement, a direct jab at Ben Sulayem’s controversy-laden tenure, comes as no surprise. The current FIA president has faced criticism over governance issues, including high-profile resignations and accusations of stifling dissent. Villars, with her fresh perspective and outsider status, is positioning herself as the antidote—a reformer who can rebuild trust and modernize the sport.
For Ferrari, Villars’ candidacy could be a lifeline. The Scuderia, where Hamilton has struggled with poor results since joining at the start of the 2025 season, has failed to reclaim its former glory, mired in strategic missteps and inconsistent performance. Villars’ proposed “FIA Eco-Performance” label, which rewards sustainable practices, aligns perfectly with Ferrari’s push for cutting-edge hybrid technology. Her emphasis on empowering member clubs could also mean more influence for Italian motorsport bodies, potentially giving Ferrari a stronger voice in rule-making. “This isn’t just about breaking glass ceilings,” one insider told us. “Laura’s plans could tilt the playing field in Ferrari’s favor, giving them the edge they’ve been missing.”
But not everyone’s convinced. Critics on X have called Villars’ bid a “publicity stunt,” pointing to her limited FIA experience and the uphill battle to secure votes from the federation’s member clubs. At 28, she’s younger than most FIA insiders, and her Instagram following has skyrocketed, fueling skepticism about her motives. “She’s got guts, but does she have the clout?” one user posted. Others, however, see her as a breath of fresh air, with ESPN F1 praising her “renew and refresh” mantra as a potential game-changer.
Villars remains undeterred, promising a “full team” of seasoned advisors to bolster her campaign. Her October 24 deadline to submit her presidential list—featuring a Senate president and vice presidents—looms large, but she’s already shaking up the status quo. “I’m not here to prove anything,” she said. “I’m here to lead.” With Hamilton’s backing and a growing chorus of supporters, Villars is proving she’s no underdog. If she pulls this off, she won’t just make history as the first female FIA president—she could steer Formula 1, and Ferrari, into a bold new era.
