Williams have confirmed that driver Alex Albon was taken into intensive care after suffering from respiratory failure following surgery this weekend – but has since made ‘excellent progress’, and is expected to return home on Tuesday.
The British-born driver, who represents Thailand in F1, was ruled out of the Italian Grand Prix due to appendicitis.
He was replaced by Nyck de Vries, who was making his F1 debut. The Dutchman went on to finish in ninth place, securing two points.
After the news of his non-participation was confirmed on Saturday, Albon wrote: “Appendicitis, surgery and no racing isn’t what I was expecting this weekend!
“Negatives: Missing out on what looks like a strong weekend for us [and] pain. Positives: Weight reduction for Singapore, cool scars.”
Williams issue update on Alex Albon condition
In a statement issued on Monday, Williams confirmed that Albon did undergo successful surgery on Saturday lunchtime to treat his diagnosis.
However, they added that their driver suffered from ‘post-operative anaesthetic complications’. In turn, this led to respiratory failure. He was then transferred to intensive care, and placed on mechanical ventilation.
Thankfully, Albon is now back on a general ward, having made what Williams describe as ‘excellent progress’ overnight. He has also been removed from mechanical ventilation. They add that the 26-year-old is fully focused on preparing for the Singapore Grand Prix. However, they stop short of saying that he will definitely race at this stage.
The full statement can be read below:
“Further to Alex Albon’s diagnosis of appendicitis on the morning of Saturday 10 September, he was admitted to San Gerardo hospital for treatment.
“He underwent a successful laparoscopic surgery on Saturday lunchtime. Following surgery, Alex suffered with unexpected post-operative anaesthetic complications which led to respiratory failure, a known but uncommon complication.
“He was re-intubated and transferred to intensive care for support. He made excellent progress overnight and was able to be removed from mechanical ventilation yesterday morning, and he has now been transferred to a general ward and is expected to return home tomorrow. There were no other complications.
“Alex’s full focus is on recovery and preparation ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix later this month. Alex would like to thank the excellent care and support he has received, including from the nursing, anaesthetic and ICU teams at Osperdale San Gerardo – ASST Monza, the FIA medical team, his Performance Coach Patrick Harding, the Williams Racing team and Dr Luke Bennett from HINTSA Performance.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
