Alex Albon needed mechanical ventilation after his appendicitis op

Williams has issued an update on the condition of Alex Albon, who was ruled out of the Italian Grand Prix at the weekend after developing appendicitis.

The Thai driver was diagnosed on Saturday morning and underwent surgery at the nearby San Gerardo hospital at lunchtime. And although the procedure was a success, that wasn’t the end of his ordeal.

A statement issued by the team explains: “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.”

Crikey. Naturally the motorsport world has been quick to send Alex its best wishes, and the team says his “full focus is on recovery” ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix in three weeks’ time. Fingers crossed we see him in full health and back in the car by then.

Albon was replaced by reserve driver and 2019 F2 champion Nyck de Vries at Monza, and the Dutchman did the team proud by bringing home points in P9. According to reports, he’s a contender to replace Nicholas Latifi next season.