Formula 1 News: Ralf Schumacher announces he is gay (2nd Update)
(GMM) Lewis Hamilton says he is glad former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher “changed his mind” on the issue of gay pride.
In 2021, world champions Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel took a stand against the Hungarian government at the Hungarian GP.
Vettel, now retired, declared he would be “happy if they disqualify me” for wearing a t-shirt with the caption ‘Same Love’ during the national anthem for the Hungarian GP, while Hamilton made similar public gestures.
At the time, Schumacher was critical of the growing trend for mixing sport with politics, hitting out at the way Hamilton in particular “always has to do this in a Mercedes suit and on the race tracks”.
“His values are very important but he can represent them on Instagram and other social networks.”
But now, between the British and Hungarian grands prix, 6-time grand prix winner Schumacher has ‘come out’ for the first time as gay in his own social media post, drawing widespread praise for no longer hiding his same-sex relationship with a male partner.
“It shows that we are finally at a time when you can take this step,” said seven time world champion Hamilton ahead of the 2024 Hungarian GP, as quoted by Sport1.
“It all started when Seb and I were here on the grid, fighting against what the government is doing here,” the British driver added.
“Ralf thought it was not a good idea to do that at the time,” said Hamilton. “Maybe he has changed his mind now.
“The fact that Ralf himself is now taking this step is a positive signal,” he added. “It could encourage others to follow his example.”
But what Hamilton, 39, may not be aware of is that Schumacher’s partner has been revealed to be Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne, a former French politician who was very much on the right wing.
His party, Rassemblement National, is headed by the highly controversial Marine Le Pen, and has actively campaigned against ‘LGBT propaganda’ and ‘gender ideology’.
July 16, 2024
(GMM) Now that he has ‘come out’, former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher says he won’t be making a big deal about his sexuality.
Being openly gay is still somewhat taboo in male-dominated sports like F1, but the 49-year-old revealed on Instagram this week that he is in a same-sex relationship.
He told the German broadcaster Sport1 the day after: “It was not news for family and close friends, they had known about it for a long time.
“But a lot of people were involved by now. That’s why I wanted to get the news out myself,” added the younger brother of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.
Ralf’s 22-year-old son David said he fully supports his father’s lifestyle.
Ralf said: “My son repeated his victory in the GT Masters the day before, which was the greatest success of his motorsport career so far. I thought this would be a good occasion for it.”
As for what comes next for Schumacher, who still works in Formula 1 as a pundit for German television Sky, he answered: “I’m just letting things come to me. It’s not a big deal for me.
“I just did what I thought was right. But I’ve received a consistently positive response for something that’s normal for me.”
One of those offering Ralf his support was Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius, who sent the 6-time grand prix winner a message.
Ralf, though, says he would like his private life to now subside from the headlines.
“Let’s see what happens next,” said the German. “I will travel to Budapest now and, as always, will be highly motivated to do my job as an expert at the Hungarian GP. I hope that my expertise will be the focus, not my outing.”
The entire Schumacher family is notably private, especially Ralf’s brother Michael who hasn’t been seen or heard from publicly since his 2013 skiing accident.
A spokesman for Ralf’s family told DPA news agency: “For the family, privacy is the highest priority. Neither his partner Etienne, nor Ralf or his son David will comment further beyond what has been said.
“We ask that everyone continue to respect their privacy. Ralf and Etienne are overwhelmed by the many great, worldwide responses. Nobody really expected that.”
July 15, 2024
Despite formerly being married and having a son who is trying to become a race car driver, former German F1 driver and brother of Michael Schumacher, Ralf Schumacher, has taken to Instagram announcing that he is currently in a relationship with another man — making him one of only three Formula 1 drivers to be publicly “out” as gay.
His 14-year-long marriage to Cora Brinkmann ended recently.
On Saturday, July 14, 49 year-old Ralf Schumacher shared a photo on Instagram depicting him standing next to another man, their arms around each other. The caption, originally in German, translates as, “The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything.
View this post on Instagram
He now works as a commentator for Sky Sport Germany, which has reported news of his coming out.
TV personality Carmen Geiss shared several photos of Schumacher and his partner that both men shared on their Instagram stories. In a post caption, she wrote:
I want to tell you about a person who plays a very special role in my life. For many years, I have known and love him infinitely. His presence in my life is a blessing, and our deep connection has only grown stronger over the years.
This wonderful man has an equally wonderful son who means a lot to him and who has been a source of joy and pride for him through many ups and downs. Together they have shared unforgettable moments and built a strong, loving relationship that is shaken by nothing
Today he confessed his homosexuality. This step was an act of liberation and self-acceptance for him. It was a courageous decision that has matured in him for a long time and one he is now full of pride and confidence. His outing is not only a personal triumph but a sign that he is finally able to live and love his true identity without fear or shame.
His courage and honesty are inspiring, and I’m endlessly grateful to have him in my life. His journey to himself is proof that love, acceptance and self-truth are the greatest forces in our lives. And I love them both with all my heart and am glad that I found two hearts.
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