Ralf Schumacher's ex-wife breaks silence following Michael's brother coming out as gay
Ralf Schumacher, the former F1 driver and brother of seven-time champion Michael, came out as gay last month and revealed he has been in a relationship with his French business manager for two years
Cora Schumacher - the former wife of former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher - has spoken publicly for the first time after the German came out as gay.
Ralf, the brother of seven-time F1 champion Michael, revealed on social media in July that he was in a relationship with his French business manager, Etienne.
He posted an image of himself and partner Etienne looking out to sea with the caption: "The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything."
The announcement made Schumacher, who also worked as a Sky Germany pundit, one of the highest-profile LGBTQA+ people in the motorsport world. A spokesperson for the Schumacher family issued a statement shortly after, following the huge wave of support for the couple.
The revelation came nine years after Schumacher and Cora split in 2015, ending the pair's 14-year marriage. The two had a son, David, who races in the German GT Masters series. Cora has not spoken publicly about Ralf since the news, but this weekend has spoken to Der Spiegel.
“I wish Ralf had included me or at least let me be part of his decision. It would have been a sign of respect,” she told Der Spiegel, via Marca. “During his career in F1, there were many rumours in the paddock. I asked him to clarify if what was being said was true, but he always denied it, telling me that I was imagining everything and that maybe I needed psychological help.
“When he announced it, it was like a stab in the heart. Coming out always affects those around you, including the ex-wife with whom you had a child.
“Today I feel used during the marriage. I feel like I've wasted my best years. I ask myself many questions. Was he honest with me? And there's something even more important that's on my mind: did he love me? I trusted him blindly and that's why his word was law for me.”
Following his announcement, Ralf Schumacher and Etienne were inundated with messages of support, including from Ralf's son David. He wrote: "I am very happy that you have finally found someone with whom you really feel that you feel very comfortable and secure, no matter if a man or a woman, I am 100 percent behind you dad and wish you all the best and congratulations."
And long-time friend, actress Carmen Geiss, also sent a lengthy message of support and hinted that Schumacher and his partner have been together for some time, writing: "Today he came out as gay. This step was an act of liberation and self-acceptance for him.
"It was a courageous decision that had been maturing within him for a long time and which he now makes with pride and self-confidence. His coming out is not only a personal triumph, but also a sign that he is finally able to live and love his true identity without fear or shame."
Schumacher received positive messages from other high-profile names in sport. McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown said it was "awesome" that he had felt comfortable enough to share the news, while German tennis legend Boris Becker said: "I'm happy for you, Ralf!"
Schumacher's former on-track rival Jacques Villeneuve added: "This is great news for Ralf, I am very very happy for him and I can't imagine how difficult all those years must have been having to carry the weight of hiding."
A former racing driver and model, Cora is now a television presenter and actress. She recently spent a few weeks on the German version of I'm a Celebrity.
Her racing career began in 2004 when she joined a celebrity team in the Mini Challenge in Germany. She qualified 22nd out of 24 in her race. However, she pursued the sport competitively and enjoyed 14 years behind the wheel, signing for the SEAT Leon Supercopa alongside Christina Surer in 2006 in a deal that made her the highest-paid women driver in the world. In 2018 she retired from driving.
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