Juha Miettinen dies after seven-car crash in Nürburgring Qualifiers; Verstappen-led pack involved

A statement from the race organisers confirmed Juha Miettinen’s death, described the red-flag halt, and noted that six other drivers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Organisers announced that a minute's silence would be held in memory of Miettinen during grid formation for Sunday's race.

Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen, who was present at the event, posted condolences on social media, noting the dangers of motorsport and offering sympathy to Miettinen's family.

Six additional drivers were taken to hospital for examination, with none of the injuries described as life-threatening.

After approximately one hour, organisers suspended the race due to the severity of the collision, with no resumption planned for Saturday evening.

The race was immediately halted by a red flag to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations.

Three laps into the NLS qualifier, Juha Miettinen was involved in a seven-car collision. He died at the medical centre after being extracted from the vehicle and resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. Organisers stated the incident triggered immediate emergency response.

During Race 1 of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers on April 18, 2026, a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the Klostertal section of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Following the collision, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations. Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121) died at the Medical Centre after being extracted from the vehicle and 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. Max Verstappen was competing in the race but was not involved in the incident. The race was subsequently abandoned as a mark of respect.