A driver has died after a crash in an endurance sports car race on Saturday at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, where the four-time Formula 1 champion max verstappen Was also preparing for the race.
Organizers of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring qualifier said Juha Miettinen has died after a seven-car crash. He was 66 years old.
“Following a collision between multiple vehicles, Race Control immediately stopped the race to allow extensive recovery and rescue operations,” he said in a statement.
“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, emergency physicians were unable to save the driver, Juha Miettinen, after being 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 medical centers and nearby hospitals for precautionary checks and that none were in life-threatening condition.
Verstappen, who is using this weekend’s race as part of his preparation 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 times like these are a reminder of how dangerous it can be,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram. “My heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”
A minute’s silence will be held in memory of Miettinen during grid formation for Sunday’s race.
Covering approximately 13 miles of wild German hills, with over 150 corners and obstacles often close to the track, the Nordschleife layout at the Nürburgring is known for high-risk thrills. F1 has not used it since 1976, when reigning champion Niki Lauda suffered severe burns in a crash.
