Business of Speed Podcast

What happens when someone decides to take on a system they know is rigged?
In this episode of The Business of Speed, we sit down with Laura Villars — a professional driver who made headlines for trying to run for FIA President... even though she knew her name could never appear on the ballot.
Laura opens up about what she discovered behind the scenes of motorsport’s most powerful organization, how the rules are designed to keep outsiders out, and why she still believes change has to start from within.
This conversation dives into:
  • Why the FIA election process isn’t as democratic as it seems
  • How Laura’s candidacy exposed a hidden flaw in motorsport governance
  • The future of women and young people in racing leadership
  • What it means to fight for change when you know you might lose
If you’ve ever felt like the system was stacked against you — this story will resonate deeply.
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Creators and Guests

Host
Lali Michelsen
Chief Creative Officer, Business of Speed
Host
Vincenzo Landino
Founder + Managing Director, Business of Speed

What is Business of Speed Podcast?

Business of Speed is the definitive, deep-dive into the money, power, and technology driving modern racing.

We don't report the race, we pull back the curtain on the strategy behind it. This show treats global racing as the ultimate laboratory for competitive advantage, focusing on the high-level business decisions that shape the sports. We move past passive sponsorships to explore how teams, brands, and executives leverage racing for technology transfer, cultural relevance, and operational impact.

This is where the C-suite goes to learn how to harness velocity into a sustainable business advantage.