Juha Miettinen dies in seven-car crash during Max Verstappen's Nurburgring race
Driver Juha Miettinen passes away following seven-car incident during Nurburgring race, which has received wide interest due to Max Verstappen's participation
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:10, UK
Driver Juha Miettinen has died following a multi-car crash during the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) race on Saturday.
The race was brought to a halt by a red flag following a seven-car incident, before eventually being suspended.
The event in Germany has garnered added coverage in light of Max Verstappen's involvement.
The four-time Formula One champion took to social media to pay tribute to Miettinen following the race.
"Shocked by what happened today. Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be," he said.
"Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha's family and loved ones."
In a statement it was confirmed that Miettinen passed away at the medical centre while six other competitors were taken for examinations.
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"During the first race of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers (18 April 2026), a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages of the race. Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations," read the statement from the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring.
"Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121), after he had been extracted from the vehicle; the driver died at the Medical Centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.
"The other six drivers involved were taken to the Medical Centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations. None of the injured are in a life-threatening condition."
The statement added that the race would not resume on Saturday evening, and said a minute's silence would be held in memory of Miettinen during the grid formation for Sunday's race.
