Jul 15
Former Formula 1 Racer Ralf Schumacher Comes Out in Instagram Post
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher came out in an Instagram post showing himself and another man in a romantic setting.
"The most beautiful thing in life is when one has the right partner at his side with whom one can share everything," Schumacher, who CNN noted is the "younger brother of seven times world champion and Ferrari great Michael," wrote in German. The caption accompanied a photo of Schumacher and another man watching a sunset, their arms wrapped around each other.
Schumacher's public embrace of authenticity is groundbreaking, with the racer being only the second F1 racer to come out.
"The only other known male gay driver in the history of Formula One was the late Briton Mike Beuttler, who raced from 1971 to 1973 and died in 1988," CNN recalled.
The 49-year-old "won six grands prix in an 11-year career that ended in 2007," CNN said. "He was previously married to Cora, with whom he has a son, David, 22."
"The surprise announcement from the former driver turned entrepreneur and pundit was met with a torrent of congratulations and well-wishes from fans and members of the motorsport community," UK newspaper the Daily Mail reported.
One of those congratulating the former F1 driver was his son, David, who posted, "I am very happy that you have finally found someone with whom you really feel that you feel very comfortable and secure," CNN relayed. "I am 100% behind you dad and wish you all the best and congratulations."
German actor Carman Geiss, who the Mail called "a close friend of the couple," also posted her well wishes. "I LOVE YOU BOTH SOOOO MUCH," Geiss wrote, before naming the "right partner" in Schumacher's life.
"You have the best partner one could imagine, Etienne [sic]," Geiss wrote, referring to Schumacher's business manager. "After 2 years, you can finally show your love to the world."
"I have known Ralf for more than 25 years and he has always been a huge joy to me," Geiss posted, calling Schumacher "a kind-hearted person who I can call day and night and, above all, who was always honest with me in his position."
"I am glad that I was able to be a part of this love," Geiss added, "and I am even happier for the two who searched for each other and found each other, because I love Étienne too."
The actor added that "the pair are 'sensationally happy,'" the Mail said, "and have 'never had an argument or dispute.'"
Congratulations to Schumacher and his partner!
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
