Fatal crash in 24h Qualifiers race on the Nordschleife claims driver's life

Published on 18 April 2026 by Florence Cobben

66-year-old driver Juha Miettinen died following a severe seven-car crash, bringing Saturday’s 24h Qualifiers race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife to a tragic end. The race was immediately stopped following the crash and emergency responders rushed to the scene. The Fin, driver of the #121 BMW 325i, was taken to a medical center, where he passed away after unsuccessful resuscitation attempts.

The other six drivers involved in the crash were examined in the medical center and transported to nearby hospitals, but none are reportedly in critical condition. The organizers announced Saturday’s race would not be resumed, and that Sunday’s race would observe a minute’s silence in memory of Miettinen.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Miettinen’s bereaved family, friends, and loved ones. On behalf of Verstappen.com, we wish everyone affected strength during this difficult time.

Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing lined up ninth on the grid for the four-hour race, starting at 5:30 p.m. Lucas Auer was behind the wheel for the opening stint. After briefly dropping a place, he quickly fought back to reclaim P9 within a few corners. Out front, polesitter Gamota Racing led the field, ahead of Schnitzelalm Racing and Losch Motorsport by Black Falcon.

In the third lap on the 25.3 km long Nürburgring Nordschleife, Auer gets involved in a battle with the #80 sister Mercedes-AMG car, running side by side in the slipstream but without any change of position. Around half an hour into the race, a red flag is shown and all cars return to the pits. It later emerges that a severe multi-car crash had occurred at Klostertal, involving seven cars. At 8:00 p.m. the organizers confirmed the tragic outcome of the accident.

On Sunday, qualifying will take place from 8:15 till 9:45 a.m. Another top-tier qualifying session for the fastest cars will take place from 10:40 to 11:40 a.m. Sunday’s race will take place from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Viaplay will be broadcasting both races live, but Verstappen Sim Racing will be broadcasting Max’s performance, featuring live onboard footage and a giveaway where 1:2 scale 2017 model helmets signed by Max will be awarded: https://www.twitch.tv/teamredline/