Professional racing driver Juha Miettinen, 66, has died following a devastating seven-car crash during a race in Germany.
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The fatal incident occurred on Saturday during Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) qualifying. The race was immediately brought to a halt.
Initially stopped under a red flag, the full severity of the crash soon became clear. Around an hour later, officials made the decision to suspend the race entirely.
Racing Driver Dies After Multi-Car Crash at Nürburgring
The race had attracted major attention, notably featuring four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen.
"Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations," a statement by the race organiser said.
"Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved after he had been extracted from the vehicle. The driver died at the medical centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful."
Six other drivers were taken to hospital for precautionary checks. Though none sustained life-threatening injuries.
A moment of silence was planned at the circuit the following day to honor Miettinen.
In what would become his final Instagram post, the driver had shared his anticipation for the event.
"Ready for the N24H Qually races. Two races in two days. The first one into the night."
"The second one way too early in the morning, just so you get a taste of that Nürburgring 24H race feeling..."
Tributes Pour In as Motorsport Community Mourns
Tributes quickly emerged from across the motorsport world, including from Verstappen, who had been competing at the event.
"Shocked by what's happened today," the Dutch driver 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."
Verstappen had been using the weekend as preparation for his first 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, scheduled for May 16 and 17.
The Nürburgring remains one of the most iconic and challenging circuits in global motorsport.
Built in the 1920s around the village of Nürburg, the track winds through mountainous terrain. It has long been known for its difficulty.
Scottish racing legend Jackie Stewart famously nicknamed the circuit "the Green Hell," a reflection of both its beauty and its danger.
Formula One has not raced there since 1976, when reigning world champion Niki Lauda suffered life-threatening burns in a crash that reshaped safety standards in the sport.
