Shubman Gill Swaps Cricket for Formula 1, Meets Kimi Antonelli at Silverstone

India Test captain Shubman Gill swapped the cricket field for the Formula 1 paddock as he attended the 2026 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where he met Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli during one of the biggest weekends on the F1 calendar.

Gill, who has been in England during India’s tour, spent time in the paddock ahead of the race and was seen interacting with several figures from the Formula 1 world, with his meeting with Antonelli quickly drawing attention on social media.

Shubman Gill visits Mercedes garage at Silverstone

The Indian batter was spotted inside the Mercedes garage before the British Grand Prix, getting a close look at the team’s operations on race weekend.

Dressed in smart casual attire, Gill toured the paddock, met members of the Mercedes team and took in the atmosphere at Silverstone, one of Formula 1’s most historic venues.

Among the highlights of his visit was a meeting with Antonelli, one of Formula 1’s brightest young talents. The pair shared a handshake and posed for photographs, creating an unexpected crossover between cricket and motorsport.

Shubman Gill also meets Damson Idris and Mo Farah

Gill’s Silverstone visit extended beyond Formula 1 personalities.

The India captain also met British actor Damson Idris and four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah during his time at the circuit, interacting with fans and guests throughout the weekend.

Formula 1 also shared photographs of Gill from the paddock, highlighting his visit to one of the sport’s marquee events.

Shubman Gill enjoys break during England tour

Gill’s appearance at Silverstone came during India’s tour of England, where he has been leading the Test side.

His visit offered a brief break from cricket while also underlining the growing crossover between Formula 1 and other global sports. In recent years, Silverstone has regularly attracted athletes, actors and celebrities from around the world, with Formula 1 continuing to expand its appeal beyond traditional motorsport audiences.

For Gill, the visit provided an opportunity to experience one of Formula 1’s most iconic race weekends firsthand before returning his focus to India’s ongoing campaign in England.