Correa's 17-hour surgery successful

Formula 2 driver Juan Manuel Correa is expected to leave hospital in six weeks' time after a 17-hour surgical procedure on his lower-right extremities was successful.

Correa sustained severe injuries in the F2 accident at Spa at the end of August which claimed the life of Anthoine Hubert, with the first surgery on his right leg, ankle and foot possible on Sunday after recovering from acute respiratory distress syndrome - one month on from the accident.

In a statement issued on Thursday, it was confirmed that Correa's surgery had run to 17 hours and resulted in the removal of more bone material than anticipated, but was a success.

"On Sunday September 29th, Juan Manuel Correa was admitted into a planned operation to reconstruct his lower right extremity. Doctors performed a combination of Orthopedic Flap and External Fixation Surgeries, and after 17 hours in the operating room the 20-year-old emerged with hopeful news from doctors that the surgery was successful," the medical update from the Correa family reads.

"The days following the surgery were stressful as though deemed a success in the operating room, the next 48–72 hours were critical in the final outcome of the Flap Surgery procedure.

"Now Thursday, and more than 72 hours later, doctors are confident in a successful procedure while still under careful observation. During the procedure, doctors were forced to remove more bone material than they anticipated and solve several blood vessel issues, but state that the main objective of the surgery was achieved. Juan Manuel remains in a London hospital and he is scheduled for one additional, less complex surgery in two weeks' time.

"Doctors expect Juan Manuel will be able to leave the hospital in approximately six weeks. He will then embark on the road to recovery. The next year will be full of physical therapy, rehabilitation and corrective surgeries with the aim and objective of regaining the full use of his right foot and ankle."

Correa was quoted in the statement for the first time since the accident, thanking fans and the motorsport community for its support.

"These past few weeks have been extremely tough, tougher than anything I have ever faced both physically and mentally. I understand my future regarding the recovery of my legs, specifically my right leg is still quite uncertain, and that my physical rehab will be extremely long and complicated. I am still processing everything that has, and is, happening,” said Correa.

“I want to thank every single person who one way or another has shown me their support. I am humbled by the immense number of caring and affectionate messages I have received. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and know that your encouragement and positivity have made a difference.”