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

Red 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 began at 5:30pm local time, but was red-flagged with around three hours and 35 minutes remaining.

The cause of the red flag was unclear initially, though reports began to surface of a multi-car crash at the Klostertal section of the Nordschleife.

No footage was shown on live broadcasts, though images from car onboards have surfaced showing the aftermath of the incident.

The race was placed under red flag conditions for well over two hours, before being suspended indefinitely by the organisers.

A statement said medical crews had been dispatched to the scene of the incident to attend to injured drivers.

In a press conference at 8pm local 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, where he died after attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.  

All other drivers involved are to be taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

The NLS4 race will not be restarted. 

NLS5 is scheduled to go ahead at 1pm local time on Sunday. However, there will be a minute's silence held on the grid ahead of the start. 

Full statement from NLS organisers

“During the first race of the ADAC 24H Nurburgring qualifiers (18 April 2026), a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages of the race,” a statement read.

“Following the collision involving several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations.

“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the paramedics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, No.121); the driver died in the medical centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.”

“The other six drivers involved were taken to the medical centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations.

“None of the injured are in a life-threatening condition.

“The race will not resume on Saturday evening. The thoughts of everyone involved in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen.

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

No result will be declared from NLS4. The No.3 Team Verstappen Mercedes was running in ninth at the time of the race stoppage.