Fourth FIA presidential candidate emerges with ‘bold’ and ‘diverse’ plan

A Belgian journalist and former model has become the fourth person to enter the race for the presidency of the FIA in an unexpected new twist.

With Mohammed Ben Sulayem seeking a second term, the possibility of the Emirati running unopposed ended in July, when former FIA steward Tim Mayer threw his hat into the ring.

The American, who launched his bid at the weekend of the British Grand Prix, described the current regime as “tyranny” and has made his presence felt at most Grands Prix since.

Over the weekend of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Swiss sports car driver and entrepreneur Laura Villars announced her intention to stand.

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Villars, speaking exclusively to Motorsport Week, said that she had a “new vision” for the sport’s governing body, boasting a “big team” that will be assisting her bid.

Now, a new face has popped up from the parapet, in the shape of Belgian journalist Virginie Phillippot.

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The 33-year-old announced her candidacy on social media with a short statement that read: “I’m running for the presidency of the FIA.

“Not to be the « first » But to make sure l’m not the last.

“I believe motorsport should reflect the real world, bold, diverse, and united.

“As a woman with a global vision and deep roots, I’m here to open doors that have stayed closed for too long.

“Let’s build a FIA that’s truly inclusive for every voice, every story, every passion. The race for the future starts now.”

Little is currently known about Philippot’s background, but has a prior career in modelling, running in the Miss Belgium pageant in 2012, and Miss International in 2017.

Since then, Philippot has begun working in motorsport, taking on hosting duties for Red Bull, and a great deal of her Instagram account documents her movements across various racetracks in series including F1 and WEC.

She has also appeared on French reality show Secret Story and Belgium’s version of the popular show The Traitors.

READ MORE – FIA presidential candidate Laura Villars outlines her election ambitions