The crash happened on the Nordschleife section of the Nürburgring, according to official sources. It involved seven cars and occurred during the first race of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers on April 18, 2026, as reported by major media. The race was immediately halted after the crash, multiple reports indicate.
Emergency services arrived quickly but could not save Miettinen's life. He died in the Medical Centre after resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful, according to major media accounts. None of the injured drivers sustained life-threatening injuries.
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.
Swedish racing talent Siri Hökfelt, 20, was one of those injured in the crash, multiple reports confirm. According to Expressen Sport, Per Hökfelt described his daughter as doing well under the circumstances. The specific injuries sustained by the six injured drivers have not been disclosed, and beyond her father's general statement, Hökfelt's current condition remains unclear.
It is also unknown what caused the crash or whether any other drivers besides Hökfelt have been publicly identified among the injured. The race will not resume on Saturday evening, major media reports state. A minute's silence will be held in memory of Miettinen during the grid formation for Sunday's race at 13:00, according to multiple sources.
During the first race of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers (18 April 2026), a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages of the race. Following the collision involving several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations. Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the paramedics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121); the driver died in the Medical Centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful. The other six drivers involved were taken to the Medical Centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations. None of the injured are in a life-threatening condition. The race will not resume on Saturday evening. The thoughts of everyone involved in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen. A minute's silence will be held in memory of the late motorsport competitor during the grid formation for Sunday's race at 13:00.
Whether the race will continue on Sunday as scheduled after the tribute has not been confirmed. In a race control bulletin, officials expressed condolences, stating that thoughts are with Miettinen's bereaved family and that the other six drivers were taken for precautionary examinations. Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen expressed shock over Miettinen's death, major media reports indicate.
On social media, he said he was shocked by what happened and noted that motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this, it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be, sending his heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.
After the circumstances she is doing well.