Photo: Williams Racing
Lia Block, daughter of the late Ken Block, will race in single-seaters next year as she joins ART Grand Prix in the Formula 4-spec F1 Academy series.
The 17-year-old American has also been signed by the Williams Formula 1 team as one of its juniors, news that was leaked several days ago, and she has recently been doing tests in single-seater cars to prepare herself for a career switch.
To date, her motorsport activities have primarily been off-road – taking after her father who was famous for his drifting videos and extensive success in rallying and rallycross – and this year has been racing in Extreme E and Nitrocross as well as winning the open two-wheel drive class in the American Rally Association National championship.
She came 12th overall in ARA National last year, having only made her debut in 2021 once being old enough to compete.
“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.”
ART GP has now announced two drivers for its 2024 F1 Academy line-up, with Block partnering new McLaren junior Bianca Bustamante. No other teams have named signings for next season.
Williams’ team principal James Vowles commented that “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”.