Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has posted a heartfelt tribute after the death of Juha Miettinen following a crash in an endurance sportscar race on Sunday at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.
Organizers of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers said that the 66-year-old died after being involved in a major, seven car crash in the opening stages of the race.
“Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations,” a statement issued to all drivers said.
READ MORE: Lomax bursts onto Super Rugby scene with thrilling debut start
READ MORE: Dawson’s emotional reaction as crowd pays tribute to late brother
READ MORE: ‘Gotta live with it’: Flanagan’s blunt reply as axe lingers
“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; the driver died at the Medical Centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.”
The multi-car pileup. Â Facebook
Verstappen was also preparing to race, the Formula 1 driver utilising this weekend’s qualifier race as preparation for his first 24-hour race on May 16-17.
The Red Bull Racing driver was able to race due to the cancellation of both the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain grand prix races.
Ambulances were on scene of the incident. Â Getty
Organisers said the other six drivers were taken to the medical centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations and that none were in a life-threatening condition.
Verstappen posted a tribute to the long-time endurance driver on his Instagram story.
“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,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram.
Verstappen’s tribute online. Â Instagram
“Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”
Driver Misha Charoudin, who was driving right behind the incident, explained what happened to Viaplay: “There was a very big crash.”
“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 kilometers per hour and if you can’t brake…”
A minute’s silence will be held in memory of Miettinen during the grid formation for Monday’s race.
– Additional reporting from AP