Alex Albon suffered respiratory failure after surgery

Formula 1 driver Alex Albon is recovering after suffering respiratory failure following a weekend appendectomy.

Williams Racing said the 26-year-old spent time in intensive care on a ventilator at a hospital in Monza, Italy.

Albon came off the ventilator on Sunday and the team said he should return home on Tuesday. He withdrew from the Italian Grand Prix after feeling unwell and was diagnosed with appendicitis.

"Following surgery, Alex suffered with unexpected post-operative anesthetic complications which led to respiratory failure, a known but uncommon complication," the team said. "He was re-intubated and transferred to intensive care for support."

Albon has made "excellent progress" and is focused on "recovery and preparation" for the Singapore GP on Sept. 30, according to Williams Racing.

Albon is 19th in the F1 season standings.

An update on Alex Albon.#WeAreWilliams

— Atlassian Williams F1 Team (@WilliamsF1) September 12, 2022