Williams reveal Alex Albon suffered respiratory failure due to surgery complications; now out of danger


Williams reveal Alex Albon suffered respiratory failure due to surgery complications; now out of danger

Alex Albon

On Saturday, it was announced that Alex Albon won’t take further part in the weekend (qualifying and the race) after being diagnosed with Appendicitis. He was replaced by Mercedes’ reserve driver, Nyck de Vries. The Dutchman had already driven in FP1 with Aston Martin, and took to the track in the Williams for the second Grand Prix weekend this season, both times replacing Albon.

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It would certainly have been very hard to take for Albon, as Williams were expected to be quick(er) in Monza owing to the extensive straights. de Vries, who replaced him, finished P9 and took home 2 points in his debut, which was certainly a great result for him. Unfortunately, it did not go as well for Nicholas Latifi.

Unfortunately for Albon, while his surgery went fine, there were a few complications. Posting on Instagram, Williams announced: “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.” but also that he suffered from ‘unexpected’ complications.

Also Read: Alex Albon to miss Italian GP due to appendicitis; Nyck de Vries named his replacement

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Alex Albon had to be transferred to intensive care

Alex Albon
Alex Albon

As per Williams’ post on Instagram, Alex Albon had to be transferred to intensive care due to ‘unexpected’ postoperative complications, with the Thai star suffering from respiratory failure. This would certainly have been a very scary situation for his family and the team, but fortunately, Albon came out of it okay.

Albon was able to recover through the night, and was soon out of danger: “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.”

The Singapore Grand Prix is in three weeks’ time, and Albon’s full focus will be on recovery. Fans would surely love to see him back well and racing again. But if by some chance Albon is not able to recover in time, it will most likely be Nyck de Vries that replaces him again, as he already filled in for the Thai driver this weekend.

While it will be a great opportunity for the Dutchman, everyone in the Formula 1 world will hope that Albon is able to recover well from the surgery and come back stronger.

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Also Read: “One of the best races I’ve had in F1,” Alex Albon delighted after fending off a train of cars to secure a point finish at the Belgian GP

Also Read: Alex Albon reveals ‘value of success’ is the main difference between the mighty Red Bull and Williams F1 team