Lia Block, daughter of Ken Block, will make her debut in the F1 Academy 2024
At 17 years old, Ken Block's daughter will campaign under the colors of Williams Racing for the 2024 season of the F1 Academy, with the car operated by the French team ART GP.
Lia Block has already made a name for herself by participating in the Pikes Peak, Extreme E, and Rallycross, becoming the youngest champion in American Rally Association history when she won the Open Two-Wheel Drive category this year. In 2024, the 17-year-old will embark on her first full season in single-seaters, racing for ART Grand Prix in the F1 Academy alongside McLaren junior Bianca Bustamante.
“I am very happy to join the Williams Driver Academy and participate in the F1 Academy in 2024,” she said, before adding, “It’s something I could never have dreamed of. I can’t wait to live this new experience and learn as much as possible.”
For James Vowles, Team Principal of Williams, there is no doubt about her arrival: We are delighted to welcome Lia to Williams Racing as a driver for the F1 Academy in 2024. Lia has already achieved a lot in motorsport, possesses incredible natural talent, as well as a champion mindset and dedication to succeed in her single-seater racing career.
As a team, we are committed to the joint efforts of Formula 1 and the F1 Academy to improve female representation in motor racing, and we look forward to working with Lia as a key member of the Williams Racing Driver Academy.
No doubt either for Sébastien Philippe, director of the ART Grand Prix team: Extreme sports are part of Lia’s DNA, and her early participation in high-level international competitions is a testament to her talent and adaptability to a wide range of demanding environments. At 17 years old, Lia is fueled by great determination and a hunger for big challenges, which should enable her to quickly find her place within our team and the F1 Academy.
The second season of F1 Academy 2024 will start on March 7th in Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
