Racing driver is killed after shocking seven-car crash as Max Verstappen pays tribute after taking part in event
A racing pilot lost his life in a terrible accident involving seven vehicles on Germany’s famous Nürburgring track.
66-year-old Finnish star Juha Miettinen died after the incident that occurred during the first qualifying race of the Nürburgring 24 Hours on Saturday.
Miettinen crashed approximately 25 minutes into the four-hour race on the Karussell section of the Nordschleife circuit.
Max Verstappen also took part in the race but was not involved in the accident and paid tribute on social media.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘I’m shocked by what happened today. Motorsport is something we all love, but times like these remind us of how dangerous it can be.
‘I offer my sincerest condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.’
Racing driver Juha Miettinen died in an accident involving seven vehicles on the Nürburgring track.
The race was stopped and then red flagged.
Miettinen died at the medical center while six other drivers were being examined. None of them are life-threatening.
Race control said: ‘In the first race of the ADAC 24-hour Nürburgring Qualifying (18 April 2026), a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages of the race.
‘Following a collision between several vehicles, race control immediately stopped the race to allow extensive rescue and recovery operations.
‘Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, emergency medical teams were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121), after he was extricated from the vehicle; The driver died at the Medical Center after all resuscitation attempts failed.’
Verstappen was driving for Mercedes alongside Lucas Auer without any damage.
The Nurburgring track, which Scottish racing legend Jackie Stewart called the ‘green hell’, is known as one of the most iconic but dangerous race tracks in motor sports.
Since 1928, 70 competitors have lost their lives in official races on the track.
It has also been estimated at public hearings that there are between three and 12 deaths a year at the track.
Anyone with a car, a license and 30 euros is allowed to take to the track in a public session.
More to follow.
