MAX VERSTAPPEN has paid tribute to a driver who was tragically killed in a huge seven-car crash at Germany’s Nurburgring.
Juha Miettinen, 66, died after he was rushed to hospital following the crash at the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) .
Juha Miettinen, 66, died after the seven-car crash
An ambulance rushes to the crash site Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Verstappen was also competing in the event but not involved in the incident.
The four-time champion wrote on Instagram: “Shocked by what happened today. 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.”
Just hours before the crash, Miettinen had shared his excitement at taking part in the race alongside his co-driver Dan Berghult.
They wrote on Instagram: “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 Nurburgring 24H race feeling…”
Others tributes have also poured in from Miettinen’s friends and family.
One friends said: “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.”
Another wrote: “Juha Miettinen has left us at 66 years old following a terrible accident this evening. A regular at the NLS and the Nürburgring as a gentleman driver for years, the entire motorsport family is in mourning.
Miettinen died after he was involved in a huge seven car pile-up Credit: Instagram
The driver (right) posing with teammate Dan Berghult just days before the crash Credit: Instagram
“He departed while living his passion: this sport so beautiful, yet so dangerous.”
Miettinen died at the circuit’s medical centre where six other drivers were also taken for examination.
The horror crash happened during the first race of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers.
It took place during the race’s third lap at the Klostertal exit – a tight hair-pin bend.
Misha Charoudin, who was right behind the huge pile-up, told Viaplay: “There was a very big crash.”
He confirmed other reports that claimed liquid had been left on the track, saying: “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 kilometres-per-hour and if you can’t brake…”
Organisers confirmed that although the other drivers had been taken to nearby hospitals, “none of the injured are in a life-threatening condition”.
The Nurburgring circuit, nicknamed the ‘green hell’ by Scottish racing legend , is known as one of the most iconic but dangerous racetracks in motorsport.
Since 1928, 70 competitors have died during official races on the track.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
