Lia Block to race with Williams in F1 Academy

The 17-year-old is the second driver to be confirmed under the new support initiative that will see ten of the 15 drivers on the F1 grid next year associated with each of the F1 teams. The only other confirmed selection so far is McLaren’s Bianca Bustamante, also driving for ART.

Block’s appearance in F1 Academy will be her debut in single-seater racing, she has previously competed in rallying, winning the Open Two-Wheel Drive class in the American Rally Association Championship, and Extreme E.

Williams now has two female drivers in its academy, as Block joins three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick in the stable.

In a statement, Block said: “"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."

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."