Lia Block to drive for Williams in 2024 F1 Academy

Lia Block, the 17-year-old daughter of the late Ken Block, has joined the Williams Driver Academy and will represent the Grove-based squad in next season’s F1 Academy racing for ART.

Block inherited half of her DNA from her talented and famous father who competed in 24 rounds of the World Rally Championship and whose spectacular and daring Gymkhana videos garnered a huge following on the internet.

Sadly, Ken Block was killed at 55 earlier this year in a tragic snowmobile accident near his ranch in Woodland, Utah.

Lia began competing in rallying in 2021 and also took part in the all-electric Extreme E series, driving for Carl Cox Motorsport, but her debut in F1 Academy will mark her first full season of open-wheel racing.

Read also: McLaren adds female racer Bustamante to young driver programme

Block recently undertook a single-seater testing programme in preparation for her new challenge.

As part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, the team will be supporting the American teenager’s learning and development to maximise her potential throughout the F1 Academy season.

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Block will also work closely with the team at Grove to hone her skills, with access to the full spectrum of Academy support.

"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."

James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing 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.”

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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.