Formula 1 star Max Verstappen has paid tribute to Juha Miettinen, who died following a fatal crash during the 24hr Nurburgring race in Germany
Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen has expressed his “shock” following the tragic passing of Juha Miettinen after a fatal crash during the 24hr Nurburgring race in Germany.
A seven-car pile-up brought the race to a halt, with one driver airlifted to hospital, while six others were reported to be in a non-life-threatening condition. In the hours after the news was confirmed, Verstappen took to social media to pay tribute to Miettinen.
“Shocked by what happened today,” Verstappen wrote in a post on his Instagram story.
“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 an official statement on Saturday.
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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,” 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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Verstappen had been due to feature amongst the competitors at the Nurburgring in Germany, but was not on the track at the time of the seven-car pile-up.
Lucas Auer, Verstappen’s team-mate, had taken the wheel for the opening hour of the event, with the Red Bull F1 star yet to take his stint driving the Mercedes.
