From getting her first taste of the thrilling world of motorsport at the tender age of 14, Laura Villars’ passion for this high-octane sport was ignited immediately. Early on, this young woman became increasingly aware of its glaring inequality. However, Laura never let this deter her from carving a path into an area well-renowned for its underrepresentation of women.
Now, owning a degree in business management and having successfully run two businesses in the real estate and luxury products sector, Laura sets her sights on a new, exhilarating venture. Beginning in 2023, she chose to buckle down and commit to her burgeoning pilot career, setting various ambitious goals for 2023 and 2024.
She has dedicated herself to improving her racing skills since that momentous decision, placing particular emphasis on enhancing her performance during prestigious championships. Participating fiercely in the Ultimate Cup Series championship in regional F3, Laura Villars charged ahead to secure a commendable fifth place in a competition of fourteen drivers in France. This achievement stood as a testament to her impressive skill and enduring determination, leading to the acquisition of her much-deserved racing license.
Laura continued to expand her career course, taking on the thrilling challenge of the esteemed Abu Dhabi Formula 4 circuit in November 2023. Steering a model car around the intoxicating hairpin turns and exhilarating straights of the circuit, she managed to secure the 13th position out of 15. This challenging experience only fuelled her passion further, pushing her determination to level up in the intensely male-dominated sport.
According to the FFSA, over 87% of Karting and F4 drivers are male, a fact reflective of how few women find a spot on this exciting stage. Committed to rectifying this gender disparity, Laura actively contributes towards making motorsports a more inclusive industry. Her ambition remains high, assuring her continued progress towards securing a coveted place in Formula 1 in the near future.
Laura is a hope in female motorsport, and she wants to show that even if she started racing late and not in the “right” way, she never did Karting before. She will pass the limit and prove that everything is possible in life when you have a dream. “When I have something in my mind, I always achieve it in my life.”
She is still very determined and will show it next year in the championship, but she will not reveal it now.
For many aspiring female drivers, the journey into the world of single-seater racing begins with Formula 4. Recognizing this fact, multiple programs like Girls On Track, Rally Star, W Series, and the recent F1 Academy have come to the fore. These initiatives aim to provide young women with a competitive edge, offering them the opportunities to hone their skills to reach the podium.
Laura Villars’ consistent resolute efforts hold her up as an inspirational figure, particularly within the arena of female pilots. Her relentless zeal fuels her current ambitions for 2024 – continuing her journey in single-seaters in the Formula 3 Championship, a coveted tournament that has often served as a springboard for many successful racers.
Published by: Aly Cinco
