Christian Kaspar-Bartke via Getty Images
Max Verstappen has paid tribute to racing driver Juha Miettinen, who died following a seven-car crash during the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) qualifiers in Germany on Saturday.
On Saturday, organizers said in a statement that “despite the immediate arrival of emergency services,” Miettinen, a 66-year-old Finnish driver, died in the medical centre “after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful”.
“During the first race of the ADAC 24h Nurburgring qualifiers, a serious incident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages of the race,” the statement read. “Following the collision involving several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations.”
“The other six drivers involved were taken to the Medical Center and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations,” the statement added. “None of the injured are in a life-threatening condition.”
Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 champion, is competing at the event this weekend in preparation for the 24-hour endurance race he is set to take part in next month. He was not racing at the time of the incident.
On Saturday, the 28-year-old wrote on Instagram stories: “Shocked by what’s happened today. Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”
NLS said in their statement that a minute’s silence will be held in memory of Miettinen during the grid formation for Sunday’s race.
“The thoughts of everyone involved in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen,” their statement added.
Apr 19, 2026
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