Albon 'aiming high' for Singapore return after health scare

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Alex Albon is on the mend at home in Monaco after his appendix surgery in Monza and a scary post-operation respiratory failure that landed the Williams driver in intensive care.

Last Saturday, Albon complained of acute pain in his lower abdomen that was quickly diagnosed as appendicitis, which sidelined the Anglo-Thai racer for the remainder of the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

As Mercedes reserve Nyck de Vries took over his car, Albon was wheeled into surgery but in the wake of the procedure, the 26-year-old suffered complications which led to respiratory failure.

After a day under mechanical ventilation in the ICU of Monza's San Gerardo Hospital, Albon's progress allowed him to be transferred back to a general ward, from where he was discharged earlier this week on Tuesday.

On Friday evening, the Williams driver issued on social media an update on his heath situation.

"I feel pretty good. I feel OK," said Albon. "Obviously on Saturday I had a slight issue and the doctors did an amazing job.

"I’m very grateful that they got me in good health and out of the hospital by Tuesday.

"So I’ve been in Monaco since then, I’ve been starting to walk around and the goal is to be ready for Singapore, which is going to be tough.

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"It’s one of the toughest races that we go to, so it’s not an easy one, but let’s aim high and see what happens."

"Thanks for all the kind messages, I’ve been reading as many as I can, it means a lot. Hopefully see you in Singapore."

Formula 1's Singapore Grand Prix – the 17th round of the F1 world championship - will take place at Marina Bay from September 30 to October 2.

Nyck de Vries, who scored a remarkable P9 on his F1 debut at Monza will remain on standby with Williams.

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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.