Williams F1 Academy rally prep took a significant step forward as Lia Block drove her mother Lucy Block’s Ford Fiesta Rally3 during Rally Ready in Austin, Texas. This event served as crucial preparation for the upcoming Boone Forest Rally, marking Lia’s first rally competition since early 2024.
Behind the Scenes of Block’s Rally Preparation
Block House Racing provided exclusive insights into Lia’s training efforts ahead of Boone Forest. Piloting the Rally3 model equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost inline three-cylinder engine, Block expressed excitement about the car’s agile handling.
She’s very nimble. So, you can carry a lot of speed where maybe you necessarily wouldn’t with a big car.
—Lia Block, Driver
Block’s Diverse Racing Journey and Recent Achievements
At 18 years old, Lia Block boasts a remarkable portfolio, having raced in the American Rally Association, where she became the youngest champion in 2023. She has also competed in Nitrocross and Extreme E before joining Williams Driver Academy in 2024. Her rookie season in F1 Academy with ART Grand Prix demonstrated her adaptability, as she is now in her second and final year of the all-female single-seater championship. Her rally return signals a strategic decision about where to focus her career next.
Despite her recent focus on single-seaters, Block showed her rally skills remain sharp, clinching a win in the L4WD class and finishing third overall during her latest rally outing.
WINNERS!!! What a rally, and what a team,
she celebrated on Instagram, adding that the victory was a rewarding comeback.
First time in this car and first rally in a year. So nice to be smelling of champagne right now… it’s been a while. Rhianon Gelsomino and I are now 7 for 7 on podiums for rallies we have done together, could never do it without her. Thank you to the sponsors who made this possible.
—Lia Block, Driver
Comparing Rallying with Single-Seater Racing
Block also spoke about the contrast between rallying and open-wheel racing during the Netflix series F1: The Academy. She highlighted the challenges of transitioning between the two disciplines, emphasizing the distinct driving techniques required.
Rally and F1, yeah, they are under the motorsports umbrella but it’s like comparing apples and oranges,
Block noted.
It’s so different. It’s a different driving style. In rally, you are swinging the car around the corners, it’s a race against time, but now trying F1 Academy and open-wheel, I kind of had to scrap everything and start over.
—Lia Block, Driver
The Road Ahead for Lia Block’s Racing Career
Lia Block’s return to rallying after a period focused on single-seaters reflects her versatile talent and passion for motorsport. With strong results in the Boone Forest Rally and ongoing support from her team and sponsors, her performance in Williams F1 Academy rally prep confirms she is a rising star worth watching. As she evaluates her next steps, a possible return to rally racing could shape the future of her promising career.