GT driver Juha Miettinen dies in Nürburgring Qualifiers crash

The motorsport community is in mourning following the death of GT driver Juha Miettinen, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a multi-car accident during the Nürburgring Qualifiers.

Race halted and cancelled

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, race control halted the event to facilitate extensive recovery and rescue operations. Organisers of the Nürburgring 24 Hours confirmed that while six other drivers were involved in the crash, they were transported to the medical centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations and are not in life-threatening condition.

Verstappen pays tribute

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, who is participating in the event at the Nürburgring Nordschleife this weekend, expressed his shock following the news. Verstappen, who entered the event following the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, took to social media to share his grief.

“Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be,” Verstappen wrote. “Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”

The Nürburgring Qualifiers serve to set part of the grid for next month’s Nürburgring 24 Hours, an event in which Verstappen is also scheduled to compete. A minute’s silence in memory of Miettinen is planned ahead of today’s race at the Nordschleife.