Albon ruled out of Italian Grand Prix with appendicitis, as replacement De Vries prepares to make F1 race debut

Williams racer Alex Albon will miss this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix after being diagnosed with appendicitis, with former Formula 2 and Formula E champion Nyck De Vries standing in for him.

Albon finished a promising 10th in FP2 and 11th in FP1, as Williams’ straight-line speed appeared to put them in the fight for points at Monza.

However, ahead of final practice at Monza, Williams announced the Thai driver would not take part in the remainder of the weekend.

READ MORE: 5 things we learned from Friday practice at the Italian Grand Prix

In a statement, the team said: “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.”

De Vries ran for Williams in FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix and was at the track in Italy this weekend to perform similar duties for Aston Martin – De Vries finishing the first practice session in P19 for the team.

As a result, the 27-year-old will make his Grand Prix debut this weekend, racing alongside Nicholas Latifi.