Williams’ Alex Albon is set to return home after recovering from health complications following surgery.
The Thai-British driver was set to contest the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, but came down with appendicitis on Friday night, necessitating surgery.
Nyck de Vries, who has taken part in first practice with Aston Martin earlier that weekend, stepped in to replace the 26-year-old.
The surgery to remove Albon’s appendix was successful but he developed respiratory problems described as “uncommon” by his Williams team.
READ: Breaking: Mercedes driver to race in Italy GP as Alex Albon declared unfit
He was taken to intensive care overnight as a result, and doctors were satisfied he had recovered sufficiently by Sunday morning to remove him from mechanical breathing aid.
Albon has been recovering in hospital since, and is expected to be cleared to travel home to Monaco later on Tuesday.
Williams released a statement detailing what had happened to their driver.
“Further to Alex Albon’s diagnosis of appendicitis on the morning of Saturday 10 September, he was admitted to San Gerardo hospital for treatment,” they said.
“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. 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 HINTSA Performance.”
Albon had previously been admitted to hospital after the British Grand Prix when he got caught up in a horrible accident involving Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu, and both of them were thankfully fine.
READ: Alex Albon severs ties with Red Bull
De Vries qualified 13th on Saturday ahead of team-mate Nicholas Latifi, before grid penalties up ahead lifted the Dutchman up to eighth for the start.
The 27-year-old came home ninth in a terrific debut appearance for the former Formula 2 and Formula E champion.
It is not yet known whether Albon will be fit enough to contest the Singapore Grand Prix in three weeks.