Verstappen addresses heartbreaking Nürburgring tragedy after fatal collision
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20:00, 19 Apr
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Samson Ero is a Formula 1 editor at GPblog with seven years of experience in sports media. He covers key developments across the paddock, delivering accurate reporting and insight on drivers, teams, and performance trends, with work published on recognised platforms including Tuko and Legit.ng.
Max Verstappen has reacted to the passing of Juha Miettinen at the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers event at the Nordschleife.
The motorsport world was left stunned after the 66-year-old was involved in a fatal incident during a multi-car collision at the iconic circuit. Miettinen, driving the #121 BMW 325i for Keeevin Motorsport, was caught up in a crash involving as many as seven cars.
While several drivers sustained varying degrees of injury, the Finnish racer sadly lost his life despite multiple resuscitation attempts.
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The tragic news has prompted an outpouring of tributes across the paddock, with teams and drivers observing a minute’s silence ahead of the NLS5 race. Verstappen, who was asked about the incident, admitted it left a difficult and unusual feeling.
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"You know if a red flag comes so quickly, especially on a circuit like this, where normally there is never a red flag, then you know that something is wrong. Then of course you have to wait and if you hear the news, that's not good for anyone. In the end, you know that things like that can happen. Only when it happens, it remains a very strange feeling,” Verstappen said to Viaplay.
BMW devastated by Miettinen’s death
Earlier, the BMW outfit expressed deep sorrow following the fatal accident involving Miettinen, who was competing for the German manufacturer. The driver was caught up in a seven-car incident in which he suffered the worst of the impact, despite the rapid response of the emergency services.
The manufacturer detailed how shocked and devastated by the news, describing Miettinen as a valued member of its racing family and extending its thoughts to his family and friends. The statement was issued from Imola, where BMW’s WEC programme is in action this weekend.
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