Picture Credit: Twitter
Williams driver Alex Albon posted a video message for his fans on social media as he was released from the hospital after suffering appendicitis. The Thai driver addressed that he is now getting towards full fitness for the Singapore Grand Prix in two weeks.
Before the final practice of the Italian Grand Prix, the Williams team announced that Albon has been diagnosed with appendicitis as the former Red Bull driver was suffering “unexpected post-operative anaesthetic complications which led to respiratory failure” as per the statement from the team. Hence, Albon was transferred to intensive care and was on mechanical ventilation.
However, Albon was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday and then addressed the fans on Friday night. He talked about how he was working towards 100% fitness for the Singapore Grand Prix. “I feel pretty good, I feel okay,” said Albon, in a video posted on his social media accounts.
“Obviously on Saturday I had a slight issue and the doctors did an amazing job, and I’m very grateful that they got me in good health and out of the hospital by Tuesday."
“I’ve been in Monaco since then, I’ve been starting to walk around. The goal is to be ready by Singapore, which is going to be tough; it’s one of the toughest races that we go to, so not an easy one, but let’s aim high and see what happens. And just a quick message to say thank you for all the kind messages,” he added. “I’ve been reading them all – or as many as I can, and it means a lot. Thanks, hopefully, see you in Singapore and peace out.”
Albon’s replacement, Nyck De Vries took the Williams in FP3 with only after minutes’ notice. De Vries made the most of his substitute’s appearance on his F1 race debut as he started eighth on the grid, two places ahead of Nicholas Latifi and then finished ninth in the Grand Prix and scored two of the team’s six points for the season.