Albon Says F1 Return After Surgery Will Be "huge Challenge"

Williams have confirmed Alexander Albon will return to the FW44 for this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, after missing the Italian Grand Prix due to appendicitis.

Albon took part in Friday’s free practice sessions at Monza before pulling out of the event with appendicitis. Nick de Vries took the place for the next two days and impressed by finishing ninth out of eight on his Formula 1 debut.

Meanwhile, Albon was hospitalized and underwent surgery on Saturday. The team later confirmed that he had suffered “respiratory problems” which meant he had to be moved to the intensive care unit at Monza Hospital where he was being treated.

Albon recovered quickly and soon reconnected with his fans on social media. And after traveling to the UK next week, he begins his recovery with the aim of being fit enough for the Singapore GP in two-and-a-half weeks.

“First of all I want to thank everyone for their messages and support during the Italian GP weekend,” said Albon.

He admits that the punishing Singapore circuit and hot conditions will make his return more challenging. “My preparation for Singapore has been a bit different than usual but I’m feeling good and I’ve done my best to prepare for one of the most physical races on the calendar,” he said.

“I’m not predicting how challenging this will be, but I’m looking forward to hitting the track on Friday and getting back out there to drive.”

Albon competed in the Singapore Grand Prix once for Red Bull in 2019, finishing sixth.

“It’s a great street circuit and the closest race for me in Thailand,” he said. “So I’m really happy to be here and to see the fans that turned up.”

Williams’ promotional work for the event has so far been carried out by Albon team-mate Nicholas Laffey and Formula 2 racer Logan Sargent, who is one of the team’s junior drivers.

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