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A race in Germany turned tragic on Saturday when one of the drivers involved died in an accident.
Juha Miettinen, 66, was inside one of the seven cars in the collision and died, organizers of the ADAC 24 Hours of Nürburgring Qualifiers said.
“Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately stopped the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations,” the organization said in a statement.
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Car fans gather on the approach road to the Nürburgring Nordschleife 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, emergency doctors were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen, after he was removed from the vehicle; the driver died at the medical center after all resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful.”
Organizers said the other six drivers were taken to nearby hospitals for preventive examinations and that none were in danger of death.
The famous driver Max Verstappen was also on the track. Verstappen, who is using this weekend’s racing to prepare for his first 24-hour sports car race at the historic circuit on May 16-17, shared his condolences on social media.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands exits during the qualifying session of 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 at times like this it is 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 observed in memory of Miettinen during the formation of the grid for Sunday’s race.
Car fans gather on the approach road to the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Rhineland-Palatinate on Car Friday, which marks the start of the tuning season on April 3, 2026. (Thomas Frey/Picture Alliance)
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Stretching nearly 13 miles through forested German hills with more than 150 corners and barriers often close to the track, the Nordschleife layout at the Nürburgring is known for its high-stakes thrills. F1 has not used it since 1976, when reigning champion Niki Lauda suffered serious burns in an accident.
