The racing driver Juha Miettinen has died after a multi-car collision in the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers in Germany, which were also set to feature the four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen.

According to a statement from the organisers, race control immediately stopped competition following the serious incident early on, which involved seven drivers, and emergency services quickly arrived on scene. They were unable to save 66-year-old Miettinen, who was removed from the vehicle and later died at the medical centre after attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful.

“Shocked by what’s happened today,” Verstappen, who was not competing at the time of the incident, wrote in a post to his Instagram Stories. “Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha’s family and loved ones.”

The organisers of the race said: “Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations. 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 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 Nürburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen.”

Organisers confirmed there would be a minute’s silence held in Miettinen’s honour during the grid formation when competition resumes at 1pm local time on Sunday.