The Williams Formula 1 team has announced that their driver Alex Albon suffered an unexpected complication, which led to respiratory failure. The Thai driver though is okay and has recovered to the point where he no longer needs the support of a mechanical ventilator.
Albon, who on Saturday was diagnosed with appendicitis, was forced to miss this past weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, with the Thai driver replaced by Mercedes reserve and former Formula E champion Nyck De Vries. De Vries put in a stellar performance to claim ninth and match Williams’ best result this season.
Albon was admitted to San Gerardo hospital and underwent a successful laparoscopic surgery before suffering from complications that led to respiratory failure. The Williams team has indicated that Albon is out of any serious danger and is now focused on recovering for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Williams’s full statement
The Williams team have put out a press statement on their website providing an update on their driver.
“Further to Alex Albon’s diagnosis of appendicitis on the morning of Saturday 10 September, he was admitted to San Gerardo hospital for treatment,” the statement reads.
“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.
“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.”
