Ralf Schumacher, Ex-Formula One Star, Comes Out As Gay In Heartfelt Instagram Post
Ralf Schumacher, former Formula One driver and brother of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, has come out as gay. He made the announcement on Instagram, becoming the highest-profile F1 driver to openly share his sexuality.
The 49-year-old German posted a photo of himself and his French business manager, Étienne, watching a sunset together. “The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything,” Schumacher wrote.
“Today he confessed his homosexuality. This step was an act of liberation and self-acceptance for him,” said Carmen Geiss, Schumacher’s friend.
The Guardian reported that Schumacher’s friend, German actor Carmen Geiss, confirmed the news in a comment on her post. She called his decision “courageous” and said he made it with “pride and confidence”.
David Schumacher, Ralf’s son, expressed his support for his father’s coming out.
“I am very happy that you have finally found someone with whom you really feel… comfortable and secure, no matter if you are a man or a woman, I am 100% behind you dad and wish you all the best and congratulations 🍀😇” he wrote in a comment.
Schumacher competed in 180 F1 races from 1997 to 2007, driving for Jordan, Williams, and Toyota. He won six races and had 27 podium finishes.
His coming out shows how motorsport is becoming more accepting and diverse. F1 has made efforts to improve in this area in recent years.
Only two other F1 drivers have come out as gay: Mike Beuttler (1971-1973) and Lella Lombardi (1974-1976). Lombardi, the only woman to score points in F1, was in a long-term lesbian relationship.
Racing Pride, founded in 2019, promotes LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in motorsport. It has support from drivers, F1 teams, and racing organisations.
More drivers in other racing disciplines have come out recently, like W Series’ Sarah Moore, Abbie Eaton, and Jess Hawkins. Transgender driver Charlie Martin has also been a visible advocate.
