Peter Windsor labels Mercedes complaints ‘complete nonsense’ after Azerbaijan Grand Prix

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Mercedes struggled at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix despite recent signs suggesting that they may be about to return to their best.

Lewis Hamilton got swallowed up in the midfield and finished 90 seconds behind race winner Oscar Piastri, while George Russell ran fifth for most of the race before inheriting a podium in the closing stages.

The Silver Arrows appeared to be the fourth fastest team in Baku, suffering with the ability to get their Pirelli tyres in the correct operating window.

It appears to be one of the Mercedes W15’s biggest downfalls, with an inability to get the tyres where they want them to be – unlocking lots of extra pace with it.

Mercedes complaints ‘complete nonsense’ according to Peter Windsor

Speaking on the F1 Hour podcast, Peter Windsor criticised Mercedes for complaining about the Pirelli tyres.

Facing a fourth-placed finish in the constructors’ standings, the German outfit will be keen to find a reason for their woes sooner rather than later.

Their current excuse is not fooling Windsor though, who believes that the tyres they are being given are no different to what any other teams are receiving.

READ MORE: George Russell demands talks over ‘infuriating’ issue impacting every Formula 1 driver

“I think it’s complete nonsense [tyre lottery], because if there was a big difference between one set of softs and another, or one set of mediums then another,” he said.

“It would be showing up, up and down the pitlane. But it’s not showing up at McLaren, I wonder why.

“Maybe it is to tiny degrees, but no more than you would have got from Bridgestone or Michelin anyways.”

Is the Mercedes tyre situation going to improve before the end of the year?

Looking at the races left on the calendar, the majority of them favour the characteristics of a Mercedes car – with Singapore, COTA and Brazil all being tracks that they have enjoyed over the years.

Their tally of three wins so far this season may yet go up, certainly if the departing Hamilton has anything to say in the matter.

READ MORE: Oscar Piastri ‘ignored’ McLaren with call that won Azerbaijan GP

The Brit will be desperate to leave his team with one final parting gift before he joins Ferrari, but performing as he did in Baku won’t make the cut.

Teammate Russell appeared a lot more comfortable behind the wheel and had a number over the seven-time champion.

There’s a one-month break after the Singapore Grand Prix before Formula 1 returns to race again, which will give Mercedes an opportunity to figure out their issues and find a better setup window for the remainder of the season.