Lando Norris' popular win in the Miami Grand Prix might not have blown the world championship wide open - Max Verstappen still leads by 33 points - but it has certainly breathed new life into the contest.
The McLaren in the hands of the Englishman was simply quicker than Verstappen's Red Bull once it had been released into clear air when the sister car of Sergio Perez pitted.
It is testament to the aerodynamics team at Woking that their upgrade produced such an impressive step forward, just a month after a Japanese Grand Prix in which Norris finished half a minute behind the world champion in fifth place.
The Miami International Circuit in theory wasn't a track at which the MCL38 should excel given its preponderance of high-downforce, long-duration corners.
But Norris was able to bring himself into contention by remaining patient and looking after his tyres while stuck behind Perez, then extend the stint while lapping almost as quickly on old medium-compound rubber as Verstappen was able to do on fresh hards.
The timing of the safety-car period, triggered for a tangle between Kevin Magnussen's Haas and Logan Sargeant's Williams, was undoubtedly fortuitous, but Norris never looked under threat at the restart, pulling away from Verstappen and winning the race by over seven seconds.
And the good news for Norris and McLaren fans is that the Imola circuit in Emilia Romagna should be even better-suited to the characteristics of the papaya car than Miami.
The narrow, undulating circuit near Bologna has enough high-speed corners and long straights to allow the Mercedes-powered car to stretch its legs and take advantage of its aero efficiency.
This isn't to say that Norris should be the favourite on Sunday - Verstappen's record of 21 wins from his last 24 starts means the Dutchman always should be seen the man to beat before the weekend's track action commences.
In fact, the bookies look to have priced Norris's threat accurately, judging him a 8/1 shot against Verstappen's odds of 4/11.
But Oscar Piastri in the other McLaren looks to be worth a bet for Saturday's qualifying session.
Piastri has failed to get as much out of his machinery as Norris in this season to date, but over one lap it's clear he's a special talent.
The Australian has matched up well with his team-mate in their qualifying sessions together, with Norris having a clear edge across a full race stint.
Piastri is priced at 25/1 to post the fastest time in Q3, which looks worth an each-way investment at one-third odds for two places.
Also consider backing Carlos Sainz for a podium finish on Sunday afternoon.
Ferrari have a significant upgrade to their car for their home race, but the markets are dismissive of the talented Spaniard.
With Verstappen a podium near-certainty, it's likely that Norris and Perez will be battling it out with Sainz and team-mate Charles Leclerc for the remaining two steps.
The other three are around even-money to take a top-three finish but Australian GP winner Sainz can be backed at an inflated 11/4
This bet would have won in three of Sainz's five race starts this year, each of which saw him finish ahead of Leclerc.
