NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
A race in Germany turned tragic on Saturday when one of the drivers involved was killed in an accident.
Juha Miettinen, 66, was in one of the seven cars involved in the collision and died, organizers of qualifying for the ADAC 24 Hours of the Nürburgring announced.
“Following the collision between several vehicles, race management immediately stopped the race to allow extensive recovery and rescue operations,” the organization said in a statement.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Car fans gather on the access road to the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Germany, April 3, 2026, marking the start of the tuning season known as Car Friday. (Thomas Frey/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, emergency services were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen, after he was extricated from the vehicle; the driver died at the medical center after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.”
Organizers said the other six drivers were taken to nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations, and none of them were in life-threatening condition.
The famous driver Max Verstappen was also present on the track. Verstappen, who is using this weekend’s races to prepare for his first 24-hour sports car race at the historic circuit on May 16-17, shared his condolences on social media.
Red Bull driver of the Netherlands Max Verstappen leaves during the qualifying session of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, Japan, March 28, 2026. (Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP)
INDYCAR DRIVER DISCUSS THE MENTAL CHALLENGE OF INDYCAR RACING, WHY WINNING IS NOT HIS ONLY MEASURE OF SUCCESS
“Shocked by what happened today. Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it reminds us how dangerous it can be,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram. “I extend my deepest condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”
A minute’s silence will be observed in memory of Miettinen during the formation of the grid for Sunday’s race.
Car fans gather on the approach road to the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Rhineland-Palatinate on Car Friday, marking the start of the tuning season on April 3, 2026. (Thomas Frey/photo alliance)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Running nearly 13 miles through the forested German hills with more than 150 turns and barriers often close to the track, the Nürburgring Nordschleife layout is known for its thrills. F1 hasn’t used it since 1976, when reigning champion Niki Lauda was badly burned in a crash.
