Lia Block discusses challenge of F1 Academy, 'unknown' world of Formula One

"It's a really big step in my career to have a brand like Rockstar behind me and supporting me," Lia Block told Yardbarker. "They support women athletes from motorsports to golf and everything in between. I grew up watching rallycross during Rockstar's sponsorship with the Volkswagen team, which was iconic. To be part of the Rockstar family now is a really big thing." 

Lia Block described her rookie season in F1 Academy — the first time she competed in a single-seater car — as "being thrown off the deep end."

"It's definitely been a big challenge," Lia Block said. "The world of F1 was so unknown to me before growing up in the world of rally. It just kind of felt like a lottery ticket in a way to work with Williams Racing and the F1 team and to represent them in F1 Academy." 

"To be honest, it's been really fun so far," she added. "A lot of work behind the scenes and a lot of learning, but all of those small little gains have got me to where I am today. I think as long as I'm consistent throughout the year and keep up with the girls up front, I have a good chance at getting those wins in."

At just 18 years old, Lia Block has already built an impressive resume with the hope of working her way up the racing ladder. 

"I want to be racing (in) a world championship one day, whether that's F1, WRC or World RX. I want to get myself there on my own merit and just keep building," Lia Block said. "Winning the ARA Open Two-Wheel-Drive Class Championship in the U.S. two years ago, being the youngest to ever do it and the only female, was a big moment for me."

Despite her success, Lia Block knows she has ambitions beyond where she currently is in her career. 

"I don't think I've ever stopped and thought, 'Wow, my career is fulfilled.' I don't think it's ever going to be like that," she explained. "Sometimes I need to go look back on it and see how much I've accomplished, but I just want more."

In the modern day, the business of racing has become equal in importance to the sport itself. It's arguable that more pressure is being put on drivers, teams and sponsors than at any point in racing history, but Block doesn't want the stress and outside noise to interfere with her love for the sport. 

"I never want this to feel like a job, because it shouldn't," she said. "This is what I chose to do, and I love racing at its core. So as long as I keep getting to do that for the rest of my life, I'll definitely be happy."

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.