George Russell and Lewis Hamilton join thousands of fans at Silverstone to cheer on England to penalty shootout win over Switzerland after locking out the front row in British Grand Prix qualifying
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton joined thousands of fans at Silverstone on Saturday evening to cheer on England as they defeated Switzerland on penalties.
The Mercedes duo had already enjoyed a dream qualifying performance at the British Grand Prix, occupying the front row of the grid for Sunday’s race, with Russell taking pole position and Hamilton right behind him.
And then they stuck around to watch England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final on the big screen, with Russell wearing a Three Lions home shirt.
It looked like the evening would end in disappointment when Switzerland fell behind in the 75th minute to a close-range shot from Breel Embolo.
But five minutes later Bukayo Saka scored the equaliser, meaning it went to penalties.
Lewis Hamilton (left) and George Russell (right) cheered England to victory on Saturday
England beat Switzerland on penalties to reach Euro 2024 semi-finals
Hamilton and Russell posed for a selfie in front of thousands of fans after England’s victory
It was the crowning achievement of a brilliant day for the Mercedes duo as they secured the front row in qualifying for the British Grand Prix
The England players remained calm as Russell and Hamilton watched on as Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold all converted their penalties.
Jordan Pickford also proved he is the man for the big occasion by saving a penalty from Manuel Akanji to secure a 5-3 victory for England.
Russell and Hamilton both applauded the English heroes, with the seven-time world champion also punching the air in joy.
They then posed for a selfie for fans after England secured a place in the semi-finals.
The Three Lions now face the Netherlands on Wednesday for a place in the final, and are just two games away from glory.
But first Russell and Hamilton will turn their attention to Sunday’s Grand Prix in a bid to round off a golden weekend for English sport.
Russell won the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend after a late crash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris and he expects to take his second straight victory.
He can count on Hamilton to put him under a lot of pressure, as he hopes for his first race win since 2021.