Ask Onix
Finnish driver killed in multi-car collision during Nürburgring qualifier
Juha Miettinen died after a seven-vehicle crash three laps into Saturday's Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) qualifying race in Germany, race officials confirmed.
Race halted and later abandoned
The session was stopped by a red flag moments after the incident and suspended an hour later once the severity of the collision became clear. Organisers announced the race would not resume on Saturday evening.
In a statement, the organiser said race control immediately halted the event to allow emergency crews to reach the scene. Despite rapid medical intervention, Miettinen could not be revived after being extracted from his car. He was pronounced dead at the circuit's medical centre.
Other drivers hospitalised but stable
Six additional drivers were taken to hospital for evaluation. Race officials confirmed none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Tributes from motorsport community
Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, who was due to compete in the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race in May, expressed shock on social media.
"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."
Max Verstappen
Memorial planned for Sunday's race
A minute of silence will be observed during the grid formation ahead of Sunday's race in Miettinen's memory.
