Albon suffered respiratory failure after appendix surgery!

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Williams has announced that Alex Albon spent a day in intensive care after suffering respiratory failure in the wake of his emergency appendix surgery on Saturday.

Albon felt pain on Saturday morning that was quickly diagnosed as a case of appendicitis, which sidelined the Anglo-Thai driver from the remainder of the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

Albon was rolled into surgery at the San Gerardo Hospital in Monza where an appendectomy was duly performed.

But in the wake of the procedure, the 26-year-old suffered "complications which led to respiratory failure" according to Williams, and to Albon being put under mechanical ventilation in intensive care.

Read also: F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2022 Italian GP

"Further to Alex Albon’s diagnosis of appendicitis on the morning of Saturday 10 September, he was admitted to San Gerardo hospital for treatment," said the British outfit in a statement published on Monday.

"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."

Albon hopes to take advantage of F1's two-week break to be up and running for the Singapore Grand Prix weekend that kicks off on September 30.

"Alex’s full focus is on recovery and preparation ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix later this month," said Williams.

"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."

Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries subbed for Albon at Monza, the Dutchman finishing Sunday's race an impressive ninth to score two championship points on his debut.

De Vries will remain on standby with Williams to replace Albon once again if necessary.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.