Alex Albon will not race for Williams at the Italian Grand Prix amid ongoing treatment for appendicitis.
The British driver will instead be replaced by Nyck de Vries for the remainder of the weekend in Monza.
A Williams spokesperson confirmed that Albon is in “good spirits” even after having to receive treatment in hospital after falling ill on Saturday morning.
This will mark De Vries’s Formula 1 racing debut during Qualifying followed by his first race. He currently holds a reserve position for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Mercedes.
“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,” the team said in a statement.
“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.”
Shortly after the team’s announcement, Albon posted on social media himself confirming his treatment will include surgery.
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— Alex Albon (@alex_albon) September 10, 2022
He wrote on Twitter: “Appendicitis, surgery and no racing isn’t what I was expecting this weekend!”
De Vries has the benefit of having drove at Monza on Friday after Aston Martin decided to allow him to use one of their two young driver testing sessions for the season in place of Sebastian Vettel.
