Williams driver Alex Albon's worrying mid-GP health scare
The F1 world has rallied behind Williams Racing driver Alex Albon after he suffered "respiratory failure" and was left on a ventilator following complications from surgery.
Albon underwent surgery after he was ruled out of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza - following his practice session - with appendicitis on Saturday morning.
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The Thai driver underwent surgery but then ended up in intensive care after he required assistance breathing.
A statement from Williams claimed Albon had recovered well and was removed from the ventilator.
He was expected to return home to continue his recovery.
"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," the statement read.
"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."
F1 world rallies around Alex Albon
The F1 world was quick to rally around Albon, which included a message from the FIA president.
I wish @alex_albon a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him on track soon. Thanks to the @FIA medical staff who were with him throughout. pic.twitter.com/6WX80j5fE8
— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) September 12, 2022
A Williams update says Alex Albon was in intensive care on Saturday night after he “suffered with unexpected post-operative anaesthetic complications which led to respiratory failure, a known but uncommon complication”. Made excellent progress since and off a ventilator now #F1
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) September 12, 2022
Scary stuff but sounds like he’s been well treated:
“He has now been transferred to a general ward and is expected to return home tomorrow. There were no other complications. ⁰ ⁰“Alex’s full focus is on recovery and preparation ahead of the Singapore GP later this month” #F1— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) September 12, 2022
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
Sending lots of love to @alex_albon #F1. pic.twitter.com/aHVgCHk1o3
— Jennie Gow (@JennieGow) September 12, 2022
London-born Albon, who races under the Thai flag because of his mother Kankamol's nationality, took part in practice in Monza on Friday.
But he fell unwell on Saturday morning and was replaced by the team's reserve driver Nyck de Vries, who finished an impressive ninth to score points on his F1 debut.
World champ Max Verstappen took advantage of Charles Leclerc's pit-stops to take 1st place at Monza.
Leclerc was second ahead of Mercedes' George Russell.
While Leclerc started in pole position, just like so many times this season, pit stop gambles allowed Verstappen to overtake and finish in first place behind the safety car.
Verstappen now leads Leclerc by 116 points with six races left as Ferrari fans booed the anti-climactic finish.
with AFP
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