P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Williams announce driver exit with 2026 replacement teased
A Williams Racing star, Lia Block, is quitting open-wheel racing and leaving the Williams family altogether after two seasons in the all-female racing series F1 Academy, where she achieved one race victory.
Competing with the ART Grand Prix team and supported by Williams, all 10 current F1 teams and the new Cadillac outfit have recently confirmed their participation in F1 Academy for 2026 and beyond.
Despite this, Block will not represent Williams in 2026, as the team announced her departure on social media, stating she will return to rally after leaving at the end of 2025.
In light of the news, Block expressed her gratitude to Williams and her followers, confirming her decision to leave open-wheel racing entirely and pursue rally driving.
Williams Racing remains dedicated to the F1 Academy project and has teased the reveal of their 2026 entrant while honoring Block’s time and wishing her success in her new chapter.
