F1 News: Red Bull Faces Turmoil as Another Key Staff Departure Rocks Italian Grand Prix Prep

Red Bull Racing is facing significant challenges as it loses another key team member amid a tough season.

Adam Wootton, one of Max Verstappen's mechanics, has announced his departure, adding to a growing list of exits from a team that once dominated Formula 1.

The caption in his Instagram post suggests he served the outfit for eight years: "My (premature) leaving meal with some of the boys who’ve made the last 8 and a bit years ❤️."

This season has not gone as planned for Red Bull, which has secured only seven wins out of 16 races so far, a stark contrast to their 21 victories in 2023.

The team is grappling with performance issues related to its RB20 car, which has struggled to maintain its competitive edge.

The troubles began earlier in the year when team principal Christian Horner was investigated for inappropriate behavior, although he was later cleared.

This incident overshadowed the team's early successes and hinted at internal strife, particularly between Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko.

The situation worsened with the announcement of Adrian Newey's exit, the chief designer behind Red Bull's championship-winning cars.

Sporting director Jonathan Wheatley is also set to leave for Sauber in 2025, citing limited opportunities for advancement within Red Bull.

Wootton's exit, confirmed through a social media post, marks another blow for the team.

He has been with Red Bull for eight years, and his departure comes at a time when the team is struggling to implement mid-season upgrades that have negatively impacted the car's balance.

As Red Bull navigates these challenges, it finds itself in a tight race for the Constructors' Championship, with McLaren closing the gap to just eight points. Meanwhile, Verstappen maintains a comfortable lead in the Drivers' Standings, but with eight races remaining, the competition remains fierce.