Lia Block "struggled" with being seen only as Ken Block’s daughter but proud: "He shaped who I am"

Williams F1 Academy driver Lia Block has opened up about creating her own path in motorsport while continuing the legacy made by her father, Ken Block, and dealing with the challenges of carrying such a substantial name.

Block has previously competed in the American Rally Association, becoming the youngest champion in the history of the series in 2023 - as well as Extreme E and Nitrocross. The 18-year-old made her F1 Academy and single-seater debut in 2024 with ART Grand Prix and joined the Williams Driver Academy at the same time. Now, in her second year of the all-female racing series, Block is 10th in the drivers' standings with 15 points.

The F1 Academy driver grew up around motorsport thanks to her father, Ken Block, who was known for his time in the World Rally Championship, Rally America, FIA World Rallycross Championship, and for his fan-favourite Gymkhana video series on YouTube.

He was a co-owner of DC Shoes before selling his stake to co-found Hoonigan Industries. In addition to rallying, he competed in skateboarding, snowboarding and motocross before he sadly passed away in a snowmobile accident on 2 January 2023.

"I mean, for me, I was given these amazing opportunities from when I was a young and these doors opened for me to be able to try these different things in motorsport, and I chose to pursue it," Lia explained during an appearance on The Bomb Hole podcast. "So I was probably in one of the luckiest positions in this world to be able to do what I am doing now.

"But I think for me, it’s my career as well. So I’m not doing this just because it’s a legacy. I’m doing it because I love to race, and this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, but also carrying that on and helping my siblings as well. My brother is very much into it. And my sister, she’s a very unique person and she loves horses, but she also loves racing. So we’ll see where she goes in the future.

"To help them the way my dad helped me, try and help them and open those doors for them, and going forward and keep doing what I love because I know that’s what he would want me to do. And he gave me all these tools for a reason. So why shouldn’t I be using them?"

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When asked if it has been challenging at times to carry her father's name, Block explained: "Sometimes, yes. I would say two years ago, I really struggled with that. Obviously, when I first came in, I was always Ken Block’s daughter. Nobody really knew what my name was.

"But now that I’ve gotten to a point in my career where I’ve created my own name and I have my own list of accolades. Like you said, I’ve won a championship. Like, it’s fine.

"I’m proud to be Ken Block’s daughter. I’m here because of him, you know? He shaped who I am today and has left such a big impact on so many people in this world. So, I’m happy to be called Ken Block’s daughter any day."