Lia Block joins Williams for F1 Academy

Lia Block, the daughter of rally legend Ken Block, will represent Williams in the F1 Academy series next year.

The Academy aims to prepare young female drivers to move up the ranks of the racing pyramid.

The series will support F1 at seven races next year, including the Miami Grand Prix in May.

Block, 17, will race for ART Grand Prix alongside McLaren’s Bianca Bustamente.

Block won the 2023 American Rally Association Open Two-Wheel Drive class, becoming the series’ youngest champion.

She recently completed an open-wheel car test to prepare for next season.

Block will also work closely with Williams at its UK headquarters in Grove.

By working closely with existing F1 and F2 teams like ART, F1 hopes that women participating in the Academy will gain valuable insight into what is needed to take the next steps in their careers.

Williams boss James Vowles said: “We are delighted to welcome Lia to Williams Racing as an F1 Academy driver for 2024. Lia has already achieved a huge amount in motorsport, has incredible natural talent , as well as a champion’s state of mind and dedication to succeed in his journey in single-seater racing.

“We can’t wait to begin this journey together. As a team, we are committed to the joint efforts of Formula 1 and the F1 Academy to improve female representation in motorsport, and we look forward to working with Lia as a key part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy program.”

No woman has competed in an F1 race since Lella Lombardi at the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix