Alex Albon was supposed to compete in the Italian Grand Prix this past weekend, but instead he had to miss the race after being diagnosed with appendicitis. Needing an appendectomy, Albon’s routine surgery got scary after being under anesthesia but he is currently recovering.
In a statement from Williams Racing, Albon had successful laparoscopic surgery on Saturday but had “unexpected post-operative anaesthetic complications which led to respiratory failure.”
Thankfully, there is good news to report as Albon was removed from a ventilator on Sunday and it’s expected that he’ll be discharged from the hospital and head home Tuesday. Albon is not expected to miss any more races as the next race is the Singapore Grand Prix in three weeks and Albon is working toward returning for that race.
Many in the Formula 1 community expressed concern and sent well wishes to Albon as he works to making a full recovery.
Crumbs that’s a shock to read. Wishing @alex_albon the very best and the swiftest and fullest of recoveries. https://t.co/3qIeBPs5uJ
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) September 12, 2022
🖤 Great to hear that @alex_albon is on the road to recovery! https://t.co/AikiCHWX6B
— Veloce (@VeloceEsports) September 12, 2022
Get well soon, @alex_albon! 🙌
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) September 12, 2022
Get well soon, Alex! #F1 https://t.co/zT3Yqm4xU8
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) September 12, 2022
Sending lots of love to @alex_albon #F1. pic.twitter.com/aHVgCHk1o3
— Jennie Gow (@JennieGow) September 12, 2022
Alex Albon is a lovely guy. This sounds really scary. Sending him very best wishes. @alex_albon #F1 https://t.co/6nljsoNUao
— Christian Hewgill 🎙 (@ChrisHewgill) September 12, 2022
"Re-intubated"and sent to intensive care, but Williams says Albon doing better now. Wow. https://t.co/uE0awaJ3zt
— Jim Vertuno (@JimVertuno) September 12, 2022
Whoa: after surgery for appendicitis, suffered 'unexpected post-operative anaesthetic complications which led to respiratory failure, a known but uncommon complication.' Spent time in intensive care, but is now recovering. https://t.co/prhHlT9aBn
— Simon Bennett (@SportsVoiceGuy) September 12, 2022