Lia Block dominates Singapore streets to claim first F1 Academy win

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Lia Block was in a class of her own in Singapore on Saturday, storming to her first-ever F1 Academy victory with a flawless lights-to-flag performance on the unforgiving Marina Bay streets.

The 19-year-old American never looked back – literally – as she led every lap of a race punctuated by two Safety Car restarts, coolly keeping her composure while chaos unfolded behind her.

Crossing the line to claim ART Grand Prix’s first F1 Academy win since 2023, Block couldn’t hide her joy — or her relief.

“I feel great,” she said with a large grin. “It wasn’t a great Qualifying or start to the weekend yesterday, but topping it off with a win, so I can go home now! Just kidding, I still have another race.”

Despite the pressure of the narrow Singapore circuit and Maya Weug’s relentless charge from eighth to second, Block kept her cool and her rhythm.

“It was a difficult first half of the race,” she admitted. “Thankfully, there was a lot of fighting behind me, so I could just focus on myself. I figured some stuff out, got some more time out of the car and chilled to the end.”

Even as the laps ticked down, the young American remained laser-focused.

“I was looking in my mirrors a couple of times to see how close Maya was, but I just kept focusing on myself,” she said. “It was pretty easy to the end, no squabbles, one lockup but we did it.”

A rising star and now an F1 Academy race winner, the triuoh in Singapore of the late Ken Block’s daughter was more than just a personal milestone – it was a statement drive that showcased composure, confidence, and raw speed on one of motorsport’s most demanding stages.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.