Lia Block to join F1 Academy in 2024 with Williams

Lia Block will line up on the F1 Academy grid with ART Grand Prix in 2024, having also joined Williams’ Racing Driver Academy.

Block is Williams’ pick for an F1 Academy seat in what will be the series’ second season, with all 10 F1 teams expected to nominate a driver ahead of the first race in Saudi Arabia in March next year.

She’ll line up alongside Bianca Bustamante, who joined McLaren’s driver development programme last month.

It’ll be Block’s first taste of open-wheel racing, although the 17-year-old has developed an enviable CV already: having competed in rallying, Extreme E and rallycross - not to mention launching the 1,400 Hoonipiasus up Pikes Peak - she became the youngest ever American Rally Association champion earlier this year, landing the title with two rounds to spare.

"I am so excited to be joining the Williams Driver Academy and competing in F1 Academy in 2024!” said Block. “This is something I never could have dreamed of. I can’t wait to embrace this new experience and learn as much as possible.”

Meanwhile Williams team principal James Vowles said: "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.

“We cannot wait to get started on this journey together. As a team, we are committed to Formula 1 and F1 Academy’s joint efforts to improve female representation in motorsport, and we look forward to working with Lia as a key part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy."

And ART Grand Prix boss Sébastien Philippe added: “Extreme sports are part of Lia's DNA and her debut in high-profile international competitions attest to her talent and her adaptability to a wide range of demanding environments. At 17 years old, Lia is driven with a great determination and an appetite for major challenges, that should allow her to quickly find her place on our team and in the F1 Academy.”

We needn’t remind you that the Block family has been through a great deal in 2023: Ken Block tragically passed away in a snowmobile accident in January, aged just 55.

It looks like the Block name will be synonymous with motorsport for another generation yet...