Alex Albon has spoken for the first time since he was transferred to intensive care while undergoing surgery on his appendix and says he hopes to be back in time for the Singapore Grand Prix in October. The Williams driver missed the Italian Grand Prix, with Nyck de Vries deputising in place for the 26-year-old and he was given a scare after being taken to the ICU during the procedure.
The 26-year-old withdrew from the Italian Grand Prix after his team Williams confirmed he was suffering from appendicitis, despite racing on Friday in the first free practice session.
De Vries was brought in to replace Albon as he underwent surgery on Saturday night, before a complication saw Albon suffer from “respiratory failure” during the procedure. He was moved to the intensive care unit and later stabilised, with the surgery proving to be a success.
And four days after being released from hospital in Italy, Albon has spoken out on his current condition and admitted it will be “tough” to recover in time for the Singapore Grand Prix on October 2. He said: “Hey everyone, Alex here. Thought I’d just give everyone a little update on how I am. I feel pretty good, I feel okay.
READ MORE: Hamilton and FIA react to Albon scare after driver in intensive care
If Albon does not recover in time, Williams will surely have no hesitation in handing De Vries another chance to shine. The 27-year-old was named Driver of the Day by watching F1 fans after securing a ninth-place finish on his debut and out-qualified Nicholas Latifi on Saturday.
The Dutchman has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Latifi next season before making the step up to Mercedes in the future and he is poised to step in again should Albon be advised against competing in Singapore.
Albon, who has secured three top-10 finishes and collected four points for the team in 2022, has already signed his contract for next year and there are not expected to be any long-term issues preventing him from racing next season.