Alex Albon was in intensive care after respiratory failure as Williams explain his Italian Grand Prix absence

Alex Albon was in intensive care after respiratory failure as Williams explained the driver’s absence from the Italian Grand Prix on Monday.

The British F1 team issued a statement on their official website revealing that the Thai-British racer suffered from complications following appendicitis, but that he is now making ‘excellent progress’ and is ‘expected to return home tomorrow’.

With Albon ruled out, back-up driver Nyck de Vries stepped in for his debut F1 appearance, finishing in ninth to secure crucial points for Williams at Monza.

‘Further to Alex Albon’s diagnosis of appendicitis on the morning of Saturday 10 September, he was admitted to San Gerardo hospital for treatment,’ a Williams statement read.

‘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.

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>A day to remember for @nyckdevries ð#WeAreWilliams #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/Mfus5lzEaP

‘He has now been transferred to a general ward and is expected to return home tomorrow. There were no other complications.

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

‘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