Driver dies in 7-car crash ahead of German race featuring Max Verstappen

2 hours ago 9

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Published Apr 18, 2026 • 1 minute read

Juha Miettinen, who was participating in an endurance sportscar race in Germany, died following a seven-car crash on Saturday, April 18, 2026. He was 66 years old.

NURBURG, Germany — A driver has died following a crash in an endurance sportscar race on Saturday at the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, where four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen was also preparing to race.

Organizers of the ADAC 24h Nurburgring Qualifiers said that Juha Miettinen died after a crash involving seven cars. He was 66.

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“Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations,” they said in a statement.

“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen, after he had been extracted from the vehicle; the driver died at the Medical Centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.”

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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

Organizers said the other six drivers were taken to the medical centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations and that none were in a life-threatening condition.

Verstappen, who is using this weekend’s races as part of his preparations for his first 24-hour sportscar race at the historic circuit on May 16-17, posted a message of condolence on social media.

“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,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram. “Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”

A minute’s silence will be held in memory of Miettinen during the grid formation for Sunday’s race.

Running nearly 13 miles (20.8 kilometres) through wooded German hills, with more than 150 corners and barriers often close to the track, the Nordschleife layout at the Nurburgring is known for high-risk thrills. F1 hasn’t used it since 1976, when then-reigning champion Niki Lauda suffered severe burns in a crash.

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