We are delighted to announce that Mathilda Wiberg from Sweden and Paul Richard Laur from Estonia have been elected 2025 UIM Driver of the Year and 2025 UIM Junior Driver of the Year respectively.
UIM DRIVER OF THE YEAR 2025
Mathilda Wiberg – SWE
Breaking Barriers: First Female F2 World Champion
Mathilda Wiberg, from Stockholm, Sweden, has been competing in powerboating since 2016, with experience in both offshore and circuit racing. Over the years, she has raced in Offshore 3J, GT15, F4, S4 Endurance and F2, earning several podium finishes at UIM European and World Championship events, as well as multiple national podiums in Sweden. Her results include third place in the 2021 F4 European Championship, third place in the 2022 F4 World Championship, and second place in the 2023 S3 Endurance World Championship.
After moving to F2 in 2023, Mathilda continued to progress at the highest level. In 2024, she became the first woman to win a semi-final in an F2 World Championship event. In 2025, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female driver to win a UIM F2 World Championship title. Alongside her racing career, she is also involved in anti-doping education, driver training programmes, and works as a Team Manager for an E1 team.
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UIM JUNIOR DRIVER OF THE YEAR 2025
Paul Richard Laur – EST
GT15 Junior World Title – Road to UIM F1H2O
Paul Richard Laur, 16 years old from Estonia, had an exceptional 2025 season in the GT15 Junior category, winning three major titles: UIM World Champion, European silver medallist, and Nordic Champion. His World Championship win showed his speed, focus, and ability to perform consistently under pressure.
At the European Championship, Laur added a silver medal, confirming his competitiveness against a strong international field. He also claimed the Nordic title, showing his adaptability across different tracks and conditions.
Paul Richard is known for his dedication, professional attitude, and disciplined approach to training. Looking ahead, he aims to continue progressing in the sport and hopes to compete in the top categories, including a future challenge for the F1H2O World Championship.
The 2025 season reflects Paul Richard’s talent, commitment, and potential, marking him as one of the most promising young drivers in powerboating today.