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Juha Miettinen, 66, dies after a multi-car crash at the Nürburgring, with Max Verstappen among those involved.
Veteran driver Juha Miettinen, 66, was confirmed dead after a seven-car crash during the ADAC 24h Nurburgring Qualifiers at the Nordschleife (X)
Tragedy struck at the ‘Green Hell’.
Finnish racing driver Juha Miettinen has died following a devastating seven-car crash during the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) qualifiers in Germany on Saturday, casting a dark shadow over the event.
The multi-car collision occurred early in the race at the Klostertal section of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a notoriously tight and unforgiving stretch lined with barriers and sharp corners.
Miettinen, 66, was driving a BMW 325i (Car No.121) when the incident unfolded on the third lap.
Race control immediately brought out a red flag before suspending the event altogether as the severity of the crash became clear.
Emergency Response
Emergency crews responded within moments, extracting Miettinen from his vehicle and rushing him to the circuit’s medical centre. Despite sustained efforts, doctors were unable to save him.
“Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations,” organisers said in an official statement.
“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved after he had been extracted from the vehicle. The driver died at the medical centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.”
Sad news from Nurburgring.Juha Miettinen has died following a multi-car crash in the ADAC 24h Nurburgring Qualifiers. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/JpvwGjAQfM
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) April 18, 2026
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… pic.twitter.com/DMbLGYVl8L— Nürburgring (@nuerburgring) April 18, 2026
The race was suspended for the remainder of the day, with organisers confirming a minute’s silence would be observed during Sunday’s grid formation.
Six other drivers were taken to hospital for evaluation, though none sustained life-threatening injuries.
What Caused The Accident?
The cause of the chaos is still not established. However, early, unconfirmed reports have suggested that a potential oil spill on the circuit may have been a contributing factor.
Officials are expected to conduct a thorough investigation in the days ahead. But for now, it’s about tending to those in need.
Verstappen Reacts
Among those involved was four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, who escaped unharmed.
“Shocked by what happened today,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Who Was Juha Miettinen?
Miettinen was a respected figure in grassroots motorsport, a regular at the Nordschleife and widely regarded as a mentor within the paddock.
The circuit itself, stretching nearly 13 miles with over 150 corners, has long been considered one of the most demanding in the world. Its dangers are part of its legacy, dating back to incidents like Niki Lauda’s near-fatal crash in 1976.
April 19, 2026, 08:12 IST
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