Over the weekend, former Formula 1 boss Claire Williams found herself at a loss for words after experiencing the thrill of a rally outing with F1 Academy’s rising star, Lia Block. Behind the wheel of a rally-modified Subaru BRZ at the DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington, Block managed to leave a lasting impression on Williams, who is not easily awed.
“I’m actually speechless, and that doesn’t happen very often,” exclaimed Claire Williams, stepping out of the rally vehicle still buzzing with excitement. The daughter of legendary motorsport figure Frank Williams, Claire’s career in Formula 1 has largely kept her within the circuit of open-wheel racing. Thus, her ride alongside Block, a Williams junior academy driver, in a rear-wheel drive BRZ was an eye-opening experience.
Throughout their lap, Block and Williams shared stories and insights from their respective motorsport journeys. Block, who spoke fondly of the rear-wheel drive BRZ, stated, “These are the more fun cars because the back end slips out more.” Meanwhile, Williams, clutching the car’s interior for stability, could only imagine how much her father would have enjoyed the experience, exclaiming, “My dad would have loved this!”
The opportunity for Williams to accompany Block came during the annual DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit, which celebrates and encourages women’s roles within the racing industry. The event not only offered a chance for networking but also strengthened the bond between generations of racing enthusiasts.
Lia Block is no stranger to motorsport fame, being the daughter of the late Ken Block, a well-known name in American rally history. Since she was a child, Block has been immersed in racing, transitioning from go-karting and off-road races to making waves as the first woman and the youngest driver to win the American Rally Association championship at 17. Her switch to the F1 Academy and the Williams team in 2024 opened a new chapter, one she admits has come with its own set of challenges.
“In the beginning, I thought it was going to be a bit easier than it actually was,” Block shared, reflecting on her transition to open-wheel racing. Despite her limited experience compared to her peers, Block has shown resilience and determination to excel in her new role. In 2024, she concluded the F1 Academy championship in eighth place, with notable fourth-place finishes in the Singapore rounds. This year, she aims to climb back up the ladder from her current 12th position, pinning hopes on the upcoming triple-header in Montreal.
The exhilarating rally ride with Lia Block offered a fascinating glimpse into the potential crossover between rally and Formula 1 disciplines. For Claire Williams, the event was not just an adrenaline-fueled adventure but also a celebration of women pushing boundaries in motorsport. As Lia Block continues to carve her path, one can only anticipate more captivating moments on and off the track.
