This Sunday (14), former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher shared some significant news: he has come out as gay. The revelation was made via a post on Instagram, where Ralf published a photo with his partner. With this, he becomes the most famous driver in motorsport to make this declaration publicly.
It’s important to note that Ralf Schumacher, 49, was married to Cora Schumacher from 2001 to 2015. The couple had a son, David, who also followed in the family’s footsteps in motorsport. David competed in Formula 3 before turning to GT racing, proving that talent for the sport really is hereditary.
Ralf Schumacher’s career and achievements
Ralf Schumacher is the younger brother of Michael Schumacher, the seven-time world champion. His motorsport career began in the early 1990s, and he made his Formula 1 debut in 1997. Ralf competed in F1 until 2007, totaling 182 races, in which he achieved 6 wins, 6 pole positions and 27 podiums. His best performances were two fourth-place finishes in the 2001 and 2002 World Championships, both while racing for the Williams team.
After leaving Formula 1, Ralf Schumacher competed in the DTM, a touring championship, until 2012. Since then, he has been a commentator on British broadcasts and managed the career of his son, David.
Ralf Schumacher is F1’s first openly gay driver
With this new declaration, Ralf becomes the first openly gay driver in the history of Formula 1. However, it’s important to mention Mike Beuttler, a driver from the 1970s who can be considered a forerunner. Beuttler never spoke publicly about his sexuality, but rumors indicate that he was gay. After retiring from motorsport, he moved to the USA, where he died in 1988, aged 48, as a result of the AIDS epidemic.
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