Tragedy after mass accident Verstappen shocked: death at the Nürburgring
A 66-year-old driver dies while qualifying for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Image: dpa
A mass accident occurred during an endurance race on the circuit. (symbolic photo)
Image: dpa
A 66-year-old driver dies while qualifying for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Image: dpa
A mass accident occurred during an endurance race on the circuit. (symbolic photo)
Image: dpa
A mass accident occurs at the four-hour race at the Nürburgring, where Max Verstappen was also due to drive. One driver does not survive.
18.04.2026, 22:22
dpa
After the mass accident with a fatality at the Nürburgring, Max Verstappen also reacted with great dismay. The four-time Formula 1 world champion, who was not at the wheel of his endurance car at the time of the crash, wrote on Instagram on Saturday evening: "Shocked by what happened today...".
Verstappen: Are reminded how dangerous it can be
Earlier, a driver had died in the qualifying race of the 24 Hours. According to the race organizers, Juha Miettinen died in the medical center. After the 66-year-old Finnish-born driver was rescued from his car, all resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.
"Motorsport is something we all love," Verstappen continued: "But in times like these, we are reminded of how dangerous it can be." Verstappen expressed his sincere condolences to Miettinen's family.
The International Automobile Federation Fia, which is responsible for the rules and their compliance in Formula 1, among other things, also reacted with great sadness to the news of his death. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends and everyone involved in the event," wrote the Fia.
The other drivers' lives are not in danger
Another six cars were involved in the accident in the early stages of the actual four-hour race. The drivers were taken to the Medical Center and surrounding hospitals for precautionary examinations. According to the race organizers, no one's life was in danger.
Verstappen not involved
Verstappen's car was not involved in the horror accident with a total of seven cars in the Klostertal passage. At the time of the crash, his Austrian colleague Lucas Auer was also at the wheel of the number 3 Mercedes-AMG.
The race organizers initially announced: "Rescue operations for several injured drivers are currently in full swing." According to reports, several ambulances were deployed. Further details have not yet been released. The live stream of the race, which was scheduled to last four hours, was stopped.
There will be a minute's silence for the fatally injured Miettinen on the starting grid before this Sunday's race.
