A racing driver who was killed in a horror seven-car crash at Germany’s iconic Nurburgring circuit had shared his excitement at competing in the event just hours before his tragic death.
Juha Miettinen, 66, died on Saturday after the incident during the first qualifying event for the Nurburgring 24 Hours race.
Miettinen crashed around 25 minutes into the four-hour race at the Karussell section of the Nordschleife circuit.
Max Verstappen was also competing in the race but not involved in the accident and paid tribute on social media.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘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.’
In a joint post with his co-driver Dan Berghult, the pair shared their excitement at taking part in the prestigious race.
Berghult captioned the post: ‘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 Nürburgring 24H race feeling…’
Tributes flooded in for the popular driver in the wake of the shocking accident.
One friend wrote on X: ‘I’ve known Juha for 20 years, each one of them filled to the brim with him enjoying driving the Nurburgring, one of those guys that never seemed to be able to get enough of the place and was always there with a smile. RIP my friend.’
Another wrote: ‘Juha Miettinen has left us at 66 years old following a terrible accident this evening. A regular at the NLS and the Nürburgring as a gentleman driver for years, the entire motorsport family is in mourning. He departed while living his passion: this sport so beautiful, yet so dangerous.’
Upon the accident, the race was halted and then red-flagged. Paramedics were on the scene quickly but were unable to save Miettinen.
Miettinen passed away at the medical centre while the other six drivers were examined. None of those are in a life-threatening condition.
Race control said: ‘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 recovery and rescue operations.
‘Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121), after he had been extracted from the vehicle; the driver died at the Medical Centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.’
Verstappen was racing for Mercedes alongside Lucas Auer, who was also unharmed.
The Nurburgring circuit, nicknamed the ‘green hell’ by Scottish racing legend Jackie Stewart, is known as one of the most iconic but dangerous racetracks in motorsport.
Since 1928, 70 competitors have died during official races on the course.
There are also estimated to be between three and 12 deaths per year on the track in public sessions.
Anybody with a car, driving licence, and 30 euros is allowed to take to the track in a public session.
