Lia: “The hard work is starting to pay off”

It has been a couple of weeks since my mega weekend at the F1 Academy race in Singapore, which has given me time to reflect.

I feel I made a big step in my career in only one weekend! The hard work and experience are really starting to pay off, and now I feel that I belong in the top five and will be aiming for more in these last two races.

I’m quickly approaching my first anniversary as a Williams Racing Academy driver, and what a first year it has been. Amazing would be an understatement!

I had no idea what to expect going into my very first season in single-seaters and coming from a background in off-road, I knew it wasn't going to be easy.

Growing up, I was always fascinated with F1 and it was an opportunity I could not pass by! I have had so much fun travelling the world, racing at iconic circuits, meeting and working with incredible people, and enjoying a challenging year of racing.

I am grateful that I have been able to do some Rallycross and Rally in between F1 Academy this year, seat time is so valuable no matter what car you are in. For me, it keeps my skills up to date, and I'm always learning.

However, my biggest highlight of the year so far was taking the FW08 up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and sharing the seat with Alex, Logan, and James!

Heading into the last two rounds of the season my goal is simple: keep improving! I'm looking to stay in the top five in every race, and maybe stand on the podium too!

It has been so amazing to see the support from everyone this year in F1 Academy. It makes me so happy to see so many young girls at every race.

I hope myself and the rest of the F1 Academy drivers are inspiring them to pursue their dreams in motorsport.