MONTE CARLO- Lewis Hamilton managed to avoid paying a hefty drinks bill on Sunday night as a startlingly different mood enveloped McLaren in Monaco compared to a year ago.
Hamilton's victory around the rain-lashed streets of Monte Carlo sparked unbridled scenes of joy immediately after the race, and a substantial party into the bargain.
When the 23-year-old eventually returned to the McLaren brand centre after a copious round of interviews, it was to a rousing cheer and deafening music, including Michael Jackson's 'Beat It'.
As the champagne flowed, there was a bear hug from dad Anthony, a 'you-da-man' embrace from rapper P Diddy, and a kiss on the cheek from Pussycat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger.
Go back to last May, and despite a one-two finish led by Fernando Alonso, the aftermath on that occasion included accusations, an FIA investigation, and the start of an internal feud.
Team orders deprived a flying Hamilton of attacking his then team-mate, and although the FIA cleared McLaren of any wrongdoing, the blue touchpaper to an explosive season had been lit.
If the scenes on Sunday are anything to go by, McLaren are a new-found team this season - relaxed, at ease, and ready to enjoy, as they did on Sunday night.
"After crossing the line my engineer said 'drinks are on you'," remarked Hamilton.
"I was just about to reply and say 'no problem', when (team boss) Ron (Dennis) said: 'don't worry, I'll pay for the drinks.' Even better!"
But behind Sunday's delirium, there remains the serious issue of a world title to win.
With a third of the season gone, Hamilton is back in the lead by three points to Kimi Raikkonen who suffered a day of disaster in coming home ninth.
In the very next sentence, Hamilton added: "We need to remain focused for the next race, as we want to continue.
"It's always good to continue with the momentum you have."
Even Dennis conceded the team would "party hard", and whilst there might be a few hangovers on Monday, no doubting his team will be fully focused on the Canadian Grand Prix in 13 days' time.
At least it was a win for Dennis to savour, compared to last year as he said: "There was no controversy to it all.
"It was a great race to be part of, one the whole team felt they had participated in.
"Lewis drove exceptionally well on a track that is so technically difficult.
"He made a mistake early on and nearly paid the price. Anywhere else on the circuit, that could have been very hard to get back.
"But after that we were in control, and winning here has fulfilled a dream for Lewis.
"For him this was his icon race, and he has come out leading the championship again, although there's a long way to go."
Undoubtedly, Hamilton's feet will be on the ground at Montreal, the scene of his debut win last year.
When asked whether Hamilton would feel 10 feet tall in Canada in the wake of his win in Monaco, Dennis replied: "He will go in there realising he's got to do the best job possible."
Last year in Canada, Hamilton took the lead in the title race and held on until the final grands prix in Brazil where he ultimately missed out on the championship by a point to Raikkonen.
There is no denying McLaren's determination to go one better this season, in particular as last year was wrecked by the in-fighting and spy scandal.
"As a team, we're galvanised all the time," added Dennis.
"Prior to Monaco, Ferrari might have got results in the previous four races, but we've been quick.
"We're going to come back as strong as ever, and we've got to push like hell to get developments on the car.
"And compared to last year, we're not going to make the same mistakes again - whatever they were!"
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