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Making Her Own Name: Lia Block’s Journey from Rally to F1 Academy—and What It Could Mean for Australian Drivers
Motorsport is no longer just the domain of racing legends and their sons. While names like Schumacher, Earnhardt, and Andretti still echo through pit lanes, a new wave of drivers is stepping up to make its mark. Among them is 18-year-old Lia Block, daughter of the late rally and “Gymkhana” icon Ken Block, who, before his passing in January 2023, enthralled fans worldwide with his off-road and drifting prowess.
Yet Lia’s story is about more than simply following a famous father’s footsteps. Currently competing in the F1 Academy as a Williams Academy driver, she navigates single-seaters after years spent in rally, off-road, and even drifting—something she learned directly from her dad. In moving to this championship, Lia faces a demanding challenge: to prove her own talent in the high-speed, high-pressure environment of formula racing.
Early Encounters and Drifting With Dad
Lia was immersed in motorsport culture from a young age. Her father, Ken, was renowned for his rally achievements and electrifying stunts in viral “Gymkhana” videos. But Ken and Lia’s mother, Lucy (also a competitive rally driver), never pressured her to race. Instead, they gave her a choice: try everything from gymnastics and dancing to basketball and football. Eventually, though, Lia felt the calling of a race track.
Drifting was her gateway. At 13, Ken decided to teach her to drive stick, then seamlessly introduced donuts and slides. Their family’s YouTube channel captured those first attempts, providing a glimpse into the dynamic father-daughter bond that revolved around speed and precision.
At just 14, Lia found herself behind the wheel of Ken’s monstrous, 1,400 horsepower Mustang “Hoonicorn.” That moment catapulted her into the media spotlight. Two years later, she debuted at the American Rally Association Championship, steadily racking up victories and distinctions, including the 2023 American Rally Association Open Two-Wheel-Drive title—the youngest driver to do so at 16.
Switching Gears to Single-Seaters
Despite her success off-road, Lia took a calculated risk by stepping into single-seater racing. She joined the inaugural F1 Academy season in 2024 with ART Grand Prix, balancing the rally world she knew so well with the intricacies of formula cars. This transition demanded the willingness to start at the bottom again—new cars, new tracks, and a fresh set of competitors.
Her first season was both enlightening and challenging: from moments like damaging her rear wing in an aggressive overtake attempt to scoring a season-best qualifying position in Singapore. In the end, she landed eighth in the overall standings. Now, as she gears up for her second (and final) F1 Academy season, Lia is focused on winning races and vying for the championship.
Sponsorship, Ambition, and Family Legacy
Major sponsors, like Rockstar Energy, have recognized Lia’s potential. As she points out, motorsport is notoriously expensive; while Ken’s reputation opened certain doors, Lia’s now an adult—she must find her own backing to keep racing. Rockstar’s support has enabled her to commit to F1 Academy full-time this year while still leaving space for off-road and rallying in the background.
Although rallying remains close to her heart, Lia is committed to seeing how far she can climb the formula racing ladder. As her mother Lucy puts it, “At this point in her career, she really wants to focus on F1 … She can’t do F1 when she’s 30, but she can still do rally then.”
How This Could Affect Australian F1 Drivers
Australia boasts an impressive motorsport legacy, from Mark Webber’s successful F1 career to Daniel Ricciardo’s race wins, and now Oscar Piastri’s rising star status on the Formula One grid. Young Aussies aiming for F1 increasingly face an international crop of drivers—both male and female—who are emerging through initiatives like the F1 Academy. Lia Block represents one of those upcoming talents who could eventually be vying for the same scarce seats in the pinnacle of motorsport.
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Increased Competition: The F1 Academy provides top-level training and visibility, meaning Lia and other graduates could become real contenders for future F1 opportunities, adding more depth to the junior categories. Australian drivers—whether they’re in F3, F2, or eyeing a spot in F1—must be prepared for more intense global competition.
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Momentum for Women in Motorsport: With drivers like Lia and fellow F1 Academy racers proving their skill, more teams and sponsors are taking notice of female talent. This shift can benefit all up-and-coming drivers by attracting broader attention and funding to junior series. Australian hopefuls, such as those coming from karting or domestic open-wheel championships, stand to gain from the growth and higher profile of feeder series.
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Spotlight on Development Pathways: Lia’s journey shows that unconventional backgrounds—like rallying—don’t rule out a single-seater future. Similarly, many Australian drivers in the Supercars or other domestic categories may reconsider switching to formulas if an opportunity presents itself. Watching Lia’s successful transition underlines that the door to formula racing is not as narrow as it once seemed.
Could Lia Block Make It into F1?
Reaching Formula One involves navigating a notoriously competitive ladder, typically via F3 and F2. Lia’s second F1 Academy season is pivotal; she must consistently deliver strong results and show growth in her craft. If she excels, it could open the door to a Formula 3 drive. From there, consistent success and further sponsorship would be essential stepping stones.
Her rally pedigree might also be a unique selling point. In a world where brand identity and media presence are increasingly important, Lia’s well-known family legacy plus her off-road experience might attract teams seeking a versatile, marketable driver. Ultimately, motorsport careers can pivot quickly—one stellar weekend or a well-timed sponsor can transform a season.
For now, Lia Block is determined to master her craft in single-seaters. She carries her father’s passion and last name proudly but remains fixed on carving her own identity. Whether she makes it to F1 or returns to her off-road roots, she’s living the dream that so many young racers—Australian or otherwise—share. And that, in itself, is worth the watch.
While it remains to be seen whether Lia Block will ultimately secure an F1 seat, her story is already reshaping the landscape for upcoming drivers—women and men alike. For Australia’s current and future F1 hopefuls, her trajectory is both an inspiration and a reminder that the route to racing’s pinnacle comes in many forms.
