Juha Miettinen, a 66-year-old driver, died following a multi-car crash during the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers on April 18, 2026.
The incident involved seven vehicles on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, prompting race control to halt the event immediately for rescue operations.
Despite rapid response from emergency services, Miettinen could not be revived after being extracted from his vehicle and was pronounced dead at the Medical Centre.
The other six drivers involved were taken to medical facilities for precautionary checks, with organizers confirming none were in life-threatening condition.
How Verstappen responded to the tragedy
Max Verstappen, who was preparing for his first 24-hour sportscar race at the same circuit later in May, expressed his condolences on Instagram.
He wrote that he was shocked by the event and reminded followers that motorsport, while beloved, carries inherent dangers.
Verstappen added that he was sending his heartfelt sympathies to Miettinen’s family and loved ones.
Why the Nordschleife remains a high-risk challenge
The Nürburgring Nordschleife runs nearly 13 miles through wooded hills, features over 150 corners, and has barriers positioned close to the track in many sections.
<!– wp:paragraph />Formula 1 has not used the layout since 1976, when Niki Lauda suffered severe burns in a crash there.
/wp:paragraph –>What happens next for the event
A minute’s silence will be observed during the grid formation for Sunday’s race in memory of Juha Miettinen.
Was the race cancelled after the crash?
The race was halted immediately after the crash, but organizers confirmed that other drivers were evaluated and cleared to continue, with Sunday’s race proceeding as planned.
Is the Nordschleife considered more dangerous than other circuits?
The Nordschleife’s combination of length, blind corners, limited run-off areas, and proximity of barriers contributes to its reputation as one of the most demanding and risky tracks in motorsport.
