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A race in Germany turned tragic on Saturday when one of the drivers involved was killed in a wreck.
Juha Miettinen, 66, was inside one of seven cars in the collision and died, organizers of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers said.
“Following the multi-vehicle collision, race control immediately stopped the race to allow for extensive rescue and rescue operations,” the organization said in a statement.
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Car fans gather at the Nürburgring Nordschleife access road in Nürburg, Germany on April 3, 2026, marking the start of the tuning season known as Car Friday. (Thomas Frey/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen, after he was pulled from the vehicle; the driver died at the medical center after all resuscitation efforts proved unsuccessful.”
Organizers said the other six drivers were taken to nearby hospitals for preventive examinations and none were in life-threatening condition.
The famous driver Max Verstappen was also on the track. Verstappen, who is using the weekend’s race to prepare for his first 24-hour sports car race at the historic circuit on 16-17. May, shared condolences on social media.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands exits during the qualifying session for the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan on March 28, 2026. (Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP)
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“shocked by what happened today. Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it’s a reminder of how dangerous it can be,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram. “Sending my deepest condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”
A moment of silence will be held in memory of Miettinen during the grid formation for Sunday’s race.
Car fans gather at the Nürburgring Nordschleife access road in Rhineland-Palatinate on Car Friday, marking the start of the tuning season on April 3, 2026. (Thomas Frey/image alliance)
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The Nordschleife layout at the Nürburgring, which runs nearly 13 miles through forested German hills with more than 150 corners and barriers, often close to the track, is known for high-risk thrills. F1 has not used it since 1976, when reigning champion Niki Lauda suffered severe burns in a crash.
