Former Formula 1 Driver Ralf Schumacher Announces He’s In A Gay Relationship

Ralf Schumacher, a former Formula 1 driver, announced on his Instagram account that he is in a same-sex relationship.

“The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything,” Schumacher’s caption read in a picture next to another man. A day later, he posted again with the same person named Etienne giving appreciation to the kind words he received from his announcement .

“Many thanks for the many congratulations and comments. We are very happy and thank you all.”

The 49 year-old was part of a 14-year long marriage with Cora Brinkman and the couple have one child together. There relationship lasted until 2015 before they split.

Their son, David, released a statement about his father’s relationship stating, “It doesn’t matter whether they are a man or a woman. I’m 100% behind you, Dad, and I wish you best! Congratulations!” Brinkman has not given public comment about her ex-husband.

Lewis Hamilton, one of the premier names in Formula 1 racing, appreciated Schumacher’s decision to be open about his personal life he told the media before the Hungarian Grand Prix. Sky Sports F1 quoted part of his statements:

“Even him taking that step sends such a positive message and liberates others to be able to do the same. We need more and more people to do that.”

“This is a male-dominated space and, as far as I know, he’s one of the first to at least publicly be speaking in that respect.”

The German raced between 1997-2007 and finished his career with six wins and 27 podiums. His brother, Michael, has won Formula 1 seven times and raced off-and-on from 1991-2012. The Daily Mail reported on the dysfunctional family in a hit-piece released two days that detailed their life behind-the-scenes and how Ralf felt forced to conceal his sexuality.

Only one other racer in the history of the sport has come out as gay, Mike Beuttler who died in 1988.