Lewis Hamilton's thumbs up to Lance Stroll during the Canadian Grand Prix was for more than simply being allowed 🐷through to lap the you🎶ngster, according to Paddy Lowe.

Seven rounds into his rookie F1 season, Stroll climbed from 17th on the grid to finish ninth in front of his home fans af𒆙✅ter a spirited performance that saw him commit to a number of successful overtakes.

Lapped by Hamilton in that time, the Merce🌳des driver offered a thumbs up to the Williams driver, a gesture ex-Mercedes technical director Lowe says was more than simply a thank you.

"There was a nice little element there with Lewis giving him the t𝐆humbs up as he lapped him, which I understand Lewi🔥s said was more than for just letting him past clearly, it was just 'great race' as I think he followed him for a few laps."

Indeed, Lowe says the outpouring of delight for Stroll's result saw him instinctively begin heading towards the podium afte🀅r the raceဣ.

"Coming off the pit wall, just following the instinct of how I felt I started heading towards the podium! I know it was only ninth, but it seriously felt like a race win, just because we all know it's been a very, very difficult introduction to the sport for him. We've all felt for him and especially in the te🐽am willing him to be better and to make the progress.

"I think he went out 🍰there today and just showed that he can drive. The talent was all there, the race-craft was fantastic. Those points didn't fall in his lap, he went and fought for them. Man of the Match for me!"