Driver dies after multi-car crash suspends NLS4 at the Nurburgring

Max Verstappen’s Nurburgring return at NLS4 on Saturday has been marred by the demise of a driver following a multi-car crash early within the race.

Purple Bull F1 driver Max Verstappen returns to the Nurburgring this weekend for the Nurburgring 24 qualifiers, which comprise NLS4 and NLS5.

The opening four-hour race of the weekend started at 5:30pm native time, however was red-flagged with round three hours and 35 minutes remaining.

The reason for the purple flag was unclear initially, although experiences started to floor of a multi-car crash on the Klostertal part of the Nordschleife.

No footage was proven on reside broadcasts, although photos from automobile onboards have surfaced exhibiting the aftermath of the incident.

The race was positioned beneath purple flag circumstances for effectively over two hours, earlier than being suspended indefinitely by the organisers.

A press release stated medical crews had been dispatched to the scene of the incident to take care of injured drivers.

In a press convention at 8pm native time, it was confirmed that Juha Miettinen, driver of the No.121 Keeevin BMW, had died.

Miettinen was taken to the medical centre following the crash, the place he died after makes an attempt to resuscitate him had been unsuccessful.  

All different drivers concerned are to be taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

The NLS4 race won’t be restarted. 

NLS5 is scheduled to go forward at 1pm native time on Sunday. Nevertheless, there will probably be a minute’s silence held on the grid forward of the beginning. 

Full assertion from NLS organisers

“Throughout the first race of the ADAC 24H Nurburgring qualifiers (18 April 2026), a severe accident involving seven rivals occurred within the early levels of the race,” a press release learn.

“Following the collision involving a number of automobiles, race management instantly halted the race to permit for intensive restoration and rescue operations.

“Regardless of the quick arrival of emergency providers, the paramedics had been unable to avoid wasting the motive force concerned, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, No.121); the motive force died within the medical centre in spite of everything makes an attempt at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.”

“The opposite six drivers concerned had been taken to the medical centre and close by hospitals for precautionary examinations.

“Not one of the injured are in a life-threatening situation.

“The race won’t resume on Saturday night. The ideas of everybody concerned within the 24 Hours of Nurburgring are with the bereaved household of Juha Miettinen.

“A minute’s silence will probably be held in reminiscence of the late motorsport competitor throughout the grid formation for Sunday’s race at 13:00 [local time].”

No outcome will probably be declared from NLS4. The No.3 Workforce Verstappen Mercedes was working in ninth on the time of the race stoppage.