Driver passes away during Nürburgring event with Max Verstappen participating.
A driver has lost his life following an incident during an endurance sportscar race on Saturday at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, where four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen was also preparing to compete.
Organizers of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers reported that Juha Miettinen passed away after a collision involving seven vehicles. He was 66 years old.
“After the collision between multiple cars, race control promptly suspended the race to facilitate extensive recovery and rescue efforts,” they stated in a release.
“Despite the swift arrival of emergency personnel, the medical team was unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen, after he was removed from the vehicle; he succumbed at the Medical Centre after all resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.”
Organizers indicated that the other six drivers were transported to the medical center and nearby hospitals for precautionary assessments, and none were reported to be in critical condition.
Verstappen, who is utilizing this weekend’s events as part of his preparations for his inaugural 24-hour sportscar race at the historic circuit on May 16-17, shared a message of sympathy on social media.
“I am shocked by what occurred today. Motorsport is something we all cherish, but moments like this serve as a reminder of its inherent dangers,” Verstappen posted on Instagram. “Sending my sincere condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”
A minute’s silence will be observed in honor of Miettinen during the grid formation for Sunday’s race.
Stretching nearly 13 miles (20.8 kilometers) through wooded German hills, featuring over 150 corners and barriers frequently positioned close to the track, the Nordschleife layout at the Nürburgring is recognized for its high-risk excitement. Formula 1 has not utilized it since 1976, when then-reigning champion Niki Lauda sustained severe burns in a crash.
Source: espn.com
