Racing driver Juha Miettinen has tragically passed away following a multiple-vehicle crash during the 24 Hours of Nurburgring Qualifiers on Saturday.
The opening four-hour race of the weekend began at 5:30pm local time but with three hours and 35 minutes remaining, the event was red-flagged due to an accident at the Steilstrecke section of the Nordschleife circuit.
The incident happened at a tight hairpin just before the Karussell. Officials stated that the pile-up involved seven cars, with a statement confirming rescue operations were underway for those involved.
No footage of the crash was shown on live broadcasts, though images from car onboards showed the aftermath of the incident.
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Misha Charoudin, who was driving right behind the incident, explained what happened to Viaplay.
"There was a very big crash," he said. "Someone left fluid behind and I think six or seven cars crashed into each other, so there is a huge traffic jam. You approach that stretch at 220 kilometers per hour and if you can't brake..."
On Saturday evening, Telegraaf reporter Erik van Haren confirmed that Juha Miettinen, who was the driver of the No. 121 Keeevin BMW 325i, has passed away following the crash.
He wrote: "Racer Juha Miettinen (66) has passed away following the severe crash on the Nordschleife today. The race will understandably not continue today."
Van Haren also reported that the other six drivers involved in the pile-up are not in life-threatening danger.
An official statement read: "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 involving several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations.
"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.
"The race will not resume on Saturday evening. The thoughts of everyone involved in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen."
The statement added: "A minute’s silence will be held in memory of the late motorsport competitor during the grid formation for Sunday’s race at 13:00."
Tributes have poured in for Miettinen following his tragic death.
X account @Frozenspeed wrote: "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."
Percy Wolff also paid tribute to Miettenen. He said: "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."
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Jack Kenmare