Racing driver, 66, dies in seven-car crash during race featuring Max Verstappen

Racing driver Juha Miettinen has died following a multi-car crash during the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie race in Germany on Saturday.

The race which featured four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen was halted after the seven-car collision, while the cause is still under investigation.

After the crash, Miettinen, 66, was removed from his BMW and later died at a medical centre after attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful.

Six other drivers involved in the accident are being treated in hospital but their injuries are not life-threatening.

In his final Instagram post just hours before the crash, Miettinen wrote: ‘Ready for the N24H Qually races. Two races in two days. The first one into the night. The second one way too early in the morning, just so you get a taste of that Nurburgring 24H race feeling…’

Miettinen was a frequent competitor on the Nurburgring Nordschleife track. Among his achievements, he won the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS) in the V4 class and was considered a key figure in grassroots motorsport.

Verstappen was not on the track at the time of the accident, and his teammate Lucas Auer, also driving their Mercedes, was not involved.

In a post on Instagram, Verstappen wrote: ‘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. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.’

Race control officially confirmed Miettinen’s death in a statement after the crash.

‘During the first race of the ADAC 24h Nurburgring Qualifiers (18 April 2026), a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages of the race,’ the statement read.

‘Following the collision involving several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations.

‘Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the paramedics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121); the driver died in 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 race will not resume on Saturday evening. The thoughts of everyone involved in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen.

‘A minute’s silence will be held in memory of the late motorsport competitor during the grid formation for Sunday’s race at 13:00.’

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