In a significant move for the upcoming F1 Academy season, Lia Block, daughter of the late Ken Block, is set to make her debut in open-wheel racing. The 17-year-old will be part of the F1 Academy grid with ART Grand Prix, having also secured a spot in the Williams Racing Driver Academy.
Williams has chosen Lia Block as their representative for the F1 Academy's second season, with all 10 F1 teams expected to nominate a driver before the inaugural race in Saudi Arabia in March 2024. Lia Block will be sharing the grid with Bianca Bustamante, recently added to McLaren's driver development program.
Despite it being her first venture into open-wheel racing, Lia Block has an impressive track record. Having participated in rallying, Extreme E, and rallycross, she even set a record by launching the 1,400bhp Hoonipigasus up Pikes Peak. In a remarkable achievement, she became the youngest American Rally Association champion earlier this year, clinching the title with two rounds to spare.
Expressing her excitement, Lia Block stated,
"I am thrilled to be joining the Williams Driver Academy and competing in F1 Academy in 2024! This is beyond my wildest dreams, and I am eager to embrace this new experience and learn as much as possible."
James Vowles, the team principal at Williams, commented on Lia's inclusion, saying,
"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, possesses incredible natural talent, and the champion mindset required for success in open-wheel racing."
ART Grand Prix boss Sébastien Philippe also praised Lia Block, noting,
"Extreme sports are part of Lia's DNA, and her debut in high-profile international competitions attests to her talent and adaptability. At 17 years old, Lia is driven with great determination and an appetite for major challenges, which should enable her to quickly find her place on our team and in the F1 Academy."
The announcement comes in the backdrop of the Block family's challenging year, marked by the tragic passing of Ken Block in a snowmobile accident in January at the age of 55. Despite this, the Block name continues to leave its mark on motorsport, with Lia Block poised to carry the legacy into another generation.