Cora Schumacher, the ex-wife of former Formula 1 ace Ralf Schumacher, has opened up for the first time since Ralf came out as gay. Ralf, brother to F1 legend Michael Schumacher, took to his social channels in July to disclose that he was in a relationship with his French business manager Etienne, sharing a picture of them gazing at the ocean together and saying: “The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything.”
His coming out made him one of the most prominent LGBTQA+ figures in motor racing, drawing immense support, which the Schumacher family acknowledged through a spokesperson.
This development follows their divorce in 2015 after a 14-year marriage, from which they have a son, David, who competes in the German GT Masters. Until now, Cora had not commented on her former husband’s announcement, but in a recent interview with Der Spiegel, she expressed her feelings, stating: “I wish Ralf had included me or at least let me be part of his decision.
“It would have been a sign of respect. 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 revelation, Ralf Schumacher and Etienne received an outpouring of support, with Ralf’s son David expressing his happiness: “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.”
Carmen Geiss, a close friend and actress, also extended her heartfelt support, suggesting that Schumacher and his partner have been in a relationship for quite some time. She commented: “Today he came out as gay. This step was an act of liberation and self-acceptance for him.”
She further added: “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 has been inundated with support from sporting greats following his announcement. McLaren Racing’s CEO Zak Brown described it as “awesome” to see Schumacher open up, while tennis icon Boris Becker expressed his joy: “I’m happy for you, Ralf!”
Former racing adversary Jacques Villeneuve also weighed in, saying: “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.”
Cora Schumacher, once a racing driver and model, has since transitioned to a career in television presenting and acting. She recently featured on the German edition of ‘I’m a Celebrity’.
Her foray into racing began in 2004 with her participation in the Mini Challenge in Germany as part of a celebrity team. Despite qualifying 22nd out of 24, Cora didn’t give up on the sport and went on to race professionally for 14 years.
In 2006, she made headlines by joining the SEAT Leon Supercopa with Christina Surer, becoming the world’s highest-paid female driver at the time. Cora hung up her racing helmet in 2018.
