Italian GP: Nyck de Vries to step in for Alex Albon at Monza as driver is treated for appendicitis

Nyck de Vries will drive for Williams for the rest of the Italian Grand Prix weekend with the team confirming that Alex Albon is being treated for appendicitis.

The Thai/British driver will have been looking forward to this weekend at Monza with the Williams car proving very quick in a straight line and the Italian circuit one of the fastest on the calendar.

However, he woke up feeling unwell on Saturday morning ahead of qualifying later today, and sought medical advice from both the FIA and a local hospital here in northern Italy.

VIDEO: F1 DRIVERS WITH THE MOST WINS 1950-2021

Indeed, as per a team statement, he was diagnosed with appendicitis and is being treated for the condition, with Dutchman De Vries getting the nod to partner Nicholas Latifi for the rest of the Grand Prix weekend, which continues shortly with FP3.

Williams confirmed:

“Williams Racing can confirm that, after feeling unwell this morning and seeking medical advice from the FIA and local hospital, Alex Albon is now undergoing treatment for appendicitis. Following on from this, we can confirm that the team’s Reserve Driver Nyck de Vries will drive in place of Alex for the remainder of the Italian Grand Prix weekend. Alex is in good spirits and the team wishes him a speedy recovery.”

The main thing is that Alex is now in the best hands and it sounds as though he is in as good a mood as he can be given the circumstances.

Albon took to Twitter on Saturday lunchtime and sounded positive all things considered:

Appendicitis, surgery and no racing isn’t what I was expecting this weekend!Negatives: – Missing out on what looks like a strong weekend for us– PainPositives– Weight reduction for Singapore– Cool scars pic.twitter.com/HOfA18eF5W

Dutchman De Vries