Lia Block joins 2024 F1 Academy grid with Williams

Williams Racing have announced that 17-year-old Lia Block will be representing the British team in F1 Academy for the 2024 season, as part of their Driver Academy.

Block began karting aged 11, before going on to compete in rallying, Extreme E and rallycross. This year saw the American racer make history when she became the youngest-ever American Rally Association Champion, winning the Open Two-Wheel Drive class.

Racing with ART Grand Prix alongside McLaren junior Bianca Bustamante, Block says she’s ready to make the most out of the opportunity as she embarks on her first full season in open-wheel racing.

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

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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.

"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.”

ART Grand Prix Team Principal Sébastien Philippe concluded: “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.”