Max Verstappen pays tribute after Juha Miettinen dies in Nurburgring crash as FIA issue statement

Max Verstappen has paid tribute to Juha Miettinen after the veteran driver was killed in a multi-car crash during qualifying for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.

The crash occurred during the opening race of the weekend, which was due to last four hours and got underway at 5:30pm local time.

Around 25 minutes in, seven cars were involved in an incident at a tight hairpin before the Karussell.

The race was immediately red-flagged, and no replays of the crash were shown on the live broadcast.

Onboard footage from the #992 Porsche AT2 car, driven by Bjorn Griesemann, showed part of the scene of the crash but there were technical issues with the onboard cameras at that particular part of the circuit.

Driver Misha Charoudin, who was behind the crash, told Viaplay that 'someone left fluid behind', adding that 'six or seven cars crashed into each other'.

"You approach that stretch at 220 kilometers per hour and if you can't brake..." he said.

Race control later announced that Miettinen, who was 66, had passed away following the crash.

"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."

It was decided that the race would not continue.

The FIA, who do not organise the event but are involved in aspects of its running, also released a statement: "The FIA is sad to learn of the passing of Juha Miettinen following an incident in today's first race of the ADAC 24h Nurburgring Qualifiers.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends and everyone involved in the event."

And Verstappen, whose 24h Nurburgring team-mate Lucas Auer was driving his #3 Mercedes-AMG car at the time of the crash, also paid tribute to Miettinen on Saturday evening.

"Shocked by what happened today..." he wrote.

"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."

A minute's silence for Miettinen is due to be held ahead of the 24 Hours of Nurburgring getting underway at 1pm on Sunday.