LIVE: Watch Verstappen take on Qualifying Race 2 at Nurburgring Qualifiers

It was immediately clear something serious had happened, with the race red-flagged straight away as an ambulance and medical helicopter were quickly deployed, even though information was scarce at the time.

Despite the tragedy, organisers have opted to press on with the weekend in true ‘the show must go on’ fashion, with Qualifying Race 2 set to take place today.

That will be followed by the highly anticipated Top Qualifying session, which will decide the top grid spots for NLS5, the second race of the weekend, scheduled to get underway early in the afternoon.

Qualifying Race 2 will run from 08:15 to 09:45, a key session not only to shape the afternoon grid but above all to determine who makes it through to Top Qualifying, where it really counts in a shootout between the fastest cars from the leading classes.

On social media, the four-time world champion - one of the standout names of the Nürburgring weekend as he targets early qualification for May’s prestigious 24 Hours - said he was deeply shocked by the events and admitted the news had hit hard.

He also reflected on how moments like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in a sport everyone loves, while extending his heartfelt condolences to Miettinen’s family and loved ones.