Max Verstappen pays tribute to driver Juha Miettinen after Nurburgring crash

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has paid tribute to a driver who died on a track he was preparing to race on. 

Juha Miettinen, 66, died after a crash involving seven cars at the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany on Saturday.

Six other drivers were taken to the medical centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations but none are in a life-threatening condition.

"Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations," organisers said in statement.

"Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen, after he had been extracted from the vehicle."

Miettinen died in the circuit's medical centre despite several attempts to resuscitate him, the statement added.

Verstappen was using the weekend's races to prepare for his first 24-hour race at the historic circuit on 16 and 17 May.

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"Shocked by what happened today," he posted 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."

A minute's silence will be held in memory of Miettinen during the grid formation for Sunday's race.

Running nearly 13 miles through wooded German hills, with more than 150 corners and barriers often close to the track, the Nordschleife layout at the Nürburgring is known for high-risk thrills.

F1 has not used it since 1976, when then-reigning champion Niki Lauda suffered severe burns in a crash.

(c) Sky News 2026: Max Verstappen pays tribute to driver Juha Miettinen after Nurburgring crash