Lia Block hinted at an interest in open wheel when we interviewed her in the Unfair Advantage Podcast earlier this year (LISTEN HERE). That was just last summer, but it’s a been a hot minute since we spoke to her and a time where she landed a seat in the Extreme E series, won her class championship in SCCA Pro Rally, and now has earned herself an entry into F1 Academy, a stepping stone for young talent headed toward Formula 1.
As an ur quattro owner, daughter of Ken Block and, of course, up and coming racer in her own right, we’re always happy to include Lia on these pages. Congratulations to Lia. We’ll be watching and cheering you on and hoping you get considered for future seats at Audi… fully in the knowledge they’re also headed to F1.
Read the full press release below
Williams Recruit Lia Block for 2024 F1 Academy Season
Williams have announced that American racer Lia Block will be representing them on the 2024 F1 Academy grid, as she joins their Driver Academy programme.
Block has already made a name for herself competing in rally, Extreme E and rallycross, becoming the youngest American Rally Association champion in history when she won the Open Two-Wheel Drive class this year.
2024 will see the 17-year-old undertake her first full season in open-wheel racing, driving for ART Grand Prix in F1 Academy alongside McLaren junior Bianca Bustamante.
“I am so excited to be joining the Williams Driver Academy and competing in F1 Academy in 2024!” Block said. “This is something I never could have dreamed of. I can’t wait to embrace this new experience and learn as much as possible.”
James Vowles, Williams’ Team Principal, added: “We are excited to welcome Lia to Williams Racing as our F1 Academy driver for 2024. Lia has already achieved a tremendous amount in motorsport, has incredible natural talent, and the champion mindset and dedication to make a success of her journey into open-wheel racing.
