Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen was due to take part in Saturday’s ADAC 24h Nuerburgring qualifier, but the event was overshadowed by a fatal crash that left the 66-year-old dead and six others injured.
The accident occurred during the opening race at the Nuerburgring Nordschleife, one of the most demanding circuits in motorsport, with seven cars involved in a multi-car collision in the early stages. Race control immediately halted proceedings to allow extensive recovery and rescue operations, bringing the planned four-hour race to an abrupt end.
Despite the rapid arrival of rescue services, the driver, identified as Juha Miettinen, could not be saved. He was extricated from his BMW 325i and taken to the district medical center, where he died after unsuccessful attempts at resuscitation. Organizers later confirmed that the remaining six drivers involved in the incident were taken to the medical center and nearby hospitals for precautionary evaluations, with none suffering life-threatening injuries.
Officials also announced that the race would not continue on Saturday and the program for the rest of the day was cancelled. A minute’s silence will be observed as the motoring community comes to terms with the tragedy ahead of Sunday’s race in Miettinen’s memory as the grid is assembled.
Who is Juha Miettinen?
Juha Miettinen was a 66-year-old racing driver competing in endurance qualifying at the Nuerburgring, part of the build-up to the iconic 24-hour race that takes place at the circuit every year. Driving a BMW 325i, Miettinen was among a diverse field that typically includes both professional racers and experienced amateur racers.
Although Miettinen was not a well-known name on the world racing scene, he represented the spirit of endurance racing, where the passion for the sport often brings riders from different backgrounds together to compete on equal terms. The events at the Nuerburgring, especially the Nordschleife layout, require a high level of skill, focus and familiarity with the circuit, so just taking part is a sign of the experience.
The Nordschleife, often referred to as the Green Hell, stretches 20.8 km through the forested Eifel region of Germany. With over 150 corners, frequent elevation changes and barriers located close to the track, it is widely regarded as one of the most unforgiving circuits in the world. Formula 1 last raced there in 1976, when reigning champion Niki Lauda suffered a near-fatal crash that saw the sport move out of the venue due to safety concerns.
Is Max Verstappen injured?
Verstappen was involved in the accident and was not on track at the time of the incident. The Red Bull driver has shared a Mercedes AMG GT3 with Austrian Lucas Auer as he continues to expand his involvement in endurance racing alongside his F1 commitments.
The Dutch rider is expected to take part in the 24-hour race at the circuit in May, so qualifying will be an important part of his preparation. His presence attracted considerable attention to the event, but attention quickly shifted after an incident at the start of the race.
Verstappen later expressed his shock in a message posted on social media. “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,” he wrote.
He added: “My sincere condolences to the Juha family and loved ones.”
The fatal crash serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in motorsports, even as advances in safety technology have greatly improved driver protection over the years. On circuits like the Nuerburgring Nordschleife, where it’s not just survival but speed, these risks are still present.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
19 Apr 2026 08:50 IST
