F1 Academy Driver Lia Block Reveals All Her Beauty Secrets

      If you've been keeping up with motorsport, particularly Formula One, there's plenty happening right now. From news about celebrity sightings at the recent grand prix to the upcoming F1 movie debuting in June, and the latest updates on drivers and teams, there's no shortage of stories. Another recent highlight capturing attention is Netflix's new series F1: The Academy, produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine. Released on May 28, the show follows 15 drivers as they compete in seven rounds of races in the F1 Academy, aimed at making motorsport more diverse, accessible, and inclusive for women. Among the featured drivers is Williams driver Lia Block, who joined the team in 2024 and is currently in her second season with the academy. Block is familiar with success, having been named the youngest American Rally Association champion in 2023.

      Aside from developing her driving skills, 18-year-old Block is also exploring her interests off the track, particularly in makeup and skincare. "I grew up not knowing much about makeup because my mom doesn't wear any, and I've even had to teach her a bit," Block shared with Who What Wear. "I've started to understand the industry better and learn about different products that suit me and my skin. It keeps changing with me." For those unfamiliar with the demands of F1 Academy, driving cars that can reach speeds of 150 mph and temperatures of 120°F necessitates a solid skincare routine. Fortunately, Block has generously shared her beauty secrets for maintaining radiant skin. Read on for all the details.

      Many athletes have a pre-race skincare or beauty routine. As an F1 Academy driver, do you have a similar practice before races?

      I have really sensitive skin, so it's been a process of trial and error over the years. I’ve settled into a routine, but I generally don’t wear makeup to the track because it feels like a hindrance, and my helmet messes it up when I take it on and off. I prefer to keep it minimal with a light moisturizer and some lip products. Spending hours in a car with a helmet is not ideal for the skin. I used to break out frequently, but my skin seems to have adapted to the sweat from wearing the helmet. Occasionally, I still experience breakouts where my chin or cheek pads touch my skin, so it’s crucial to keep it clean.

      Even when it’s not too hot, being in a suit and helmet causes sweating. I’m still doing physical activity, and in places like Jeddah and Singapore, the heat and humidity mean you’re soaked in sweat immediately after getting out of the car, which isn’t great for the skin. Since we often travel to warm, sunny locations, sunscreen is essential for me, especially because I burn rather than tan. It’s probably the one thing I must remember to apply every morning. When you’re around the track—not even in your suit, just walking around the paddock—the sun can be quite harsh.

      Considering how often you travel for races, what would you say is your essential go-to item?

      The one product I always carry with me is my Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. It’s the best thing I’ve ever bought and it works wonders for me since I’m frequently on planes. My skin gets dehydrated, and my lips tend to dry out. So, that’s my top must-have, always at the top of my bag. It’s useful after a long car ride, in the mornings, or before bed. It’s perfect for me, and I can’t stand having dry lips.

      Does having a skincare routine help you feel grounded while traveling?

      It’s really nice to have a routine to unwind after being on the track. It helps me reflect on my day and provides a sense of "normalcy" while I’m traveling so much. I can maintain my routine even when I’m in a different part of the world. When I first get out of the car, I wipe my face with a towel, but once I’m at my hotel, I can perform my complete skincare routine. I particularly like the CeraVe foaming cleanser to remove everything because I feel foam is gentler on my skin. I avoid harsh cleansers as they dry my skin too much. The satisfaction of cleansing away the day’s impurities is wonderful. When I’m home, I’ll indulge in a face mask or something similar. Being able to enjoy a longer skincare routine at home feels like a luxury, making it a different experience when I travel.

      Yeah, it’s an incredible space to be in. Makeup and skincare aren't just for women; however, with more female drivers in F1, it opens doors for companies that were previously underrepresented in this field. This presents a great opportunity because, while I drive cars and love the adrenaline rush, I’m still connected to my feminine side. These areas may not be fully explored yet, but I believe they hold significant potential for the