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Photo highlights from the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony in Las Vegas

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Photo highlights from the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony in Las Vegas
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Photo highlights from the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony in Las Vegas

2025-11-15 02:13 Last Updated At:02:21

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The 2025 Latin Grammy Awards returned to Las Vegas for a musical spectacle that saw Bad Bunny take home the night's top honor, album of the year. The Puerto Rican superstar was the leading nominee with 12 nominations, and he took home five trophies. Spanish singer Raphael, this year's Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, warmed hearts by performing during the show.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

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Bad Bunny accepts the award for Album of the Year during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny accepts the award for Album of the Year during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hosts Roselyn Sanchez and Maluma appear on stage at the conclusion of the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hosts Roselyn Sanchez and Maluma appear on stage at the conclusion of the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Karol G accepts the award for song of the year for "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Karol G accepts the award for song of the year for "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Liniker performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Liniker performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Paloma Morphy, winner of the award for best new artist, poses in the press room during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Paloma Morphy, winner of the award for best new artist, poses in the press room during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Alejandro Sanz performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Alejandro Sanz performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Chuwi and Bad Bunny perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Chuwi and Bad Bunny perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Paco Amoroso, left, and Ca7riel perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Paco Amoroso, left, and Ca7riel perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Karol G arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Karol G arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Bad Bunny performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Kacey Musgraves, left, and Carin Leon perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Kacey Musgraves, left, and Carin Leon perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny accepts the award for best urban music album for "DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny accepts the award for best urban music album for "DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Nathy Peluso, left, and Gloria Estefan perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Nathy Peluso, left, and Gloria Estefan perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Pepe Aguilar performs "El Chihualteco" and "El Fuereno" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Pepe Aguilar performs "El Chihualteco" and "El Fuereno" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Marco Antonio Solis, left, and Karol G are seen after performing during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Marco Antonio Solis, left, and Karol G are seen after performing during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Elena Rose performs "Me lo Merezco" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Elena Rose performs "Me lo Merezco" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Rauw Alejandro perform a medley during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Rauw Alejandro perform a medley during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Beto Cuevas arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Beto Cuevas arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Annasofia arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Annasofia arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Fariana arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Fariana arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lenny Tavarez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lenny Tavarez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Conociendo Rusia arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Conociendo Rusia arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Yannely, left, and Vakero arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Yannely, left, and Vakero arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Elena Rose arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Elena Rose arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Fito Paez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Fito Paez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Maluma, left, and Susana Gomez arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Maluma, left, and Susana Gomez arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Mon Laferte arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Mon Laferte arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lupita Infante arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lupita Infante arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Emily Estefan, from left, Emilio Estefan, and Gloria Estefan arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Emily Estefan, from left, Emilio Estefan, and Gloria Estefan arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vadhir Derbez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vadhir Derbez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Roselyn Sanchez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Roselyn Sanchez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Bad Bunny accepts the award for Album of the Year during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny accepts the award for Album of the Year during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hosts Roselyn Sanchez and Maluma appear on stage at the conclusion of the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hosts Roselyn Sanchez and Maluma appear on stage at the conclusion of the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Karol G accepts the award for song of the year for "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Karol G accepts the award for song of the year for "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Liniker performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Liniker performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Paloma Morphy, winner of the award for best new artist, poses in the press room during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Paloma Morphy, winner of the award for best new artist, poses in the press room during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Alejandro Sanz performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Alejandro Sanz performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Chuwi and Bad Bunny perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Chuwi and Bad Bunny perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Paco Amoroso, left, and Ca7riel perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Paco Amoroso, left, and Ca7riel perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Karol G arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Karol G arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Bad Bunny performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Kacey Musgraves, left, and Carin Leon perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Kacey Musgraves, left, and Carin Leon perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, performs during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny accepts the award for best urban music album for "DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Bad Bunny accepts the award for best urban music album for "DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Nathy Peluso, left, and Gloria Estefan perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Nathy Peluso, left, and Gloria Estefan perform during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Pepe Aguilar performs "El Chihualteco" and "El Fuereno" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Pepe Aguilar performs "El Chihualteco" and "El Fuereno" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Marco Antonio Solis, left, and Karol G are seen after performing during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Marco Antonio Solis, left, and Karol G are seen after performing during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Elena Rose performs "Me lo Merezco" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Elena Rose performs "Me lo Merezco" during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Rauw Alejandro perform a medley during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Rauw Alejandro perform a medley during the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Beto Cuevas arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Beto Cuevas arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Annasofia arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Annasofia arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Fariana arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Fariana arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lenny Tavarez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lenny Tavarez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Conociendo Rusia arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Conociendo Rusia arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Yannely, left, and Vakero arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Yannely, left, and Vakero arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Elena Rose arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Elena Rose arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Fito Paez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Fito Paez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Maluma, left, and Susana Gomez arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Maluma, left, and Susana Gomez arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Mon Laferte arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Mon Laferte arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lupita Infante arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Lupita Infante arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Emily Estefan, from left, Emilio Estefan, and Gloria Estefan arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Emily Estefan, from left, Emilio Estefan, and Gloria Estefan arrive at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vadhir Derbez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vadhir Derbez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Roselyn Sanchez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Roselyn Sanchez arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Raphael, recipient of the Person of the Year Award, arrives at the 2025 Latin Grammys on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

No Formula 1 driver puts pressure on his rivals quite like Max Verstappen.

The Red Bull star did it to Lewis Hamilton in 2021, winning his first title on the last lap of the season and preventing Hamilton from clinching a record eighth F1 title.

Verstappen came close to winning the title again this year, mounting an incredible late charge to crank up the pressure on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Earlier in the season, the McLaren teammates were contesting the F1 title between themselves.

But Verstappen changed all that.

Heading into Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, it had become a three-way battle.

Verstappen did all he could.

He won in Abu Dhabi from pole position for a third straight race win, a season-leading eighth and 71st of a stellar career.

It was not quite enough to overtake Norris, who won his first F1 title by placing third in the race and ending up just two points ahead of Verstappen in the standings.

But it showed why Verstappen commands so much awe.

“This Max guy is pretty hard to beat,” McLaren CEO Zak Brown told broadcaster Sky with a large dose of understatement.

One race earlier, at the Qatar GP, Brown had jokingly compared Verstappen to a horror movie ghoul who keeps resurfacing.

“He's like that guy in a horror movie, that right as you think he's not coming back, he's back,” Brown said in a podcast interview before the Qatar race. “What an unbelievable talent he is. He never makes mistakes. He seizes every opportunity. We've never thought he was out.”

After winning the Dutch GP on Aug. 31, Piastri led Norris by 34 points and was 104 ahead of Verstappen, who back then had won just two races compared to seven for Piastri. Verstappen took advantage of McLaren's errors to barge his way back into contention.

“(When) you lose the championship by two points it looks painful. But on the other hand, if you look from where we were in Zandvoort, more than 100 behind, then it's not too bad," Verstappen said. “I’m very proud of the whole team. We could have also very easily given up at that point.”

Verstappen is already considered among the F1 greats, alongside Hamilton, seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.

Despite his relatively young age, the 28-year-old Dutchman is already third all-time for race wins behind Schumacher (91) and Hamilton (105). Verstappen has 127 podium finishes and 48 pole positions — one area where he is not as clinical as Hamilton (a record 104 poles) was in his prime with Mercedes.

When Norris won the Brazil GP sprint race in early November, he moved 39 points ahead of Verstappen with four races to go.

A few weeks later, Verstappen had dramatically turned the tables and all the pressure was on Norris and Piastri.

“It’s probably fair to say that the world discovered an even more extraordinary Max this season,” Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said. “A bit because of the magnitude of the comeback. A bit because he has been so relaxed.”

Verstappen has been more amiable since becoming a father earlier this year, and has made a concerted effort to reign in his occasionally scathing rants over team radio.

He was all smiles and friendly with Norris when they watched highlights of Sunday's race in the cool-down room.

In the past, bursts of rage or flashes of frustration would get the better of Verstappen.

Less so now.

But one thing that hasn't changed is his intense desire to win and deep self-belief, whatever the odds.

“The fightback has been really fun," Verstappen said. “I don’t see it like losing (the championship).”

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Formula 1: https://apnews.com/hub/formula-one

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands in action during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands in action during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands waves towards the crowd on the podium after the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands waves towards the crowd on the podium after the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands in action during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands in action during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

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