Ralf Schumacher has fuelled a row between himself and his ex-wife by calling her a “liar” and leaking WhatsApp messages she sent him congratulating his new partner.
Cora Schumacher stunned fans over the weekend when she claimed she had “wasted” 14 years married to a man who came out as gay in July.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf revealed last month that he is in a relationship with his French sales representative Etienne, and Cora told Der Spiegel she was unaware and felt “stabbed in the heart”.
Now Ralf has posted screenshots of an alleged exchange from last year in which Cora congratulates Etienne on their union, indicating that Cora knew about it all along – an action she has slammed as “pathetic” and “illegal”.
In the messages, Cora appears to say “congratulations” and “I’m so happy for you both” as she tells Etienne that she was told she married Ralf because they were wearing rings on their right hands.
Ralf Schumacher, pictured with his partner Etienne, has branded his ex-wife Cora Schumacher a liar after she spoke of his betrayal and shock at their relationship.
Cora said she felt a “stab in the heart” when Ralf announced last month that he was gay.
Now Ralf has posted WhatsApp messages in which Cora allegedly congratulates Etienne after thinking they were married in an attempt to disprove his surprise.
Ralf and Cora were married for 14 years and had a son and she claimed she “feels used” by him.
Ralf’s French partner Etienne is seen on a yacht in Monaco harbour during an F1 race weekend.
In an exchange that seems awkward, Etienne dismisses her and says that in France people wear their rings on the left side after they get married.
The conversation ends on good terms when Cora says “I’m happy for you,” the antithesis of her sentiment in the Der Spiegel interview, while Etienne says “thank you Cora.”
Ralf posted a screenshot of the conversation on WhatsApp as proof that Cora was being dishonest about her shock and pain over her relationship with Etienne.
“With all the back and forth, I would like to make it clear that Cora congratulated us in September 2023 because she thought we were married,” she wrote in the Instagram post.
“As you can see from this message addressed to Etienne personally, I think it’s a disgrace to Etienne and myself that she spreads so many lies. We both just want to be left alone.”
The unearthing of old WhatsApp messages has left Cora furious, and she has responded by vilifying the action as “pathetic” and “illegal”.
Cora, 47, a former model and racing driver, was married to Ralf from 2001 to 2015 and together they have a son, David, 22, who is also a motorsport racer.
Ralf, 49, has been with Etienne for two years, whom he met in Monaco, according to actress Carmen Geiss, a close friend of the couple. He is the brother of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher and his son David has already shown his support for the relationship.
Ralf, a six-time Grand Prix winner, competed between 1997 and 2007. He is pictured with his legendary brother Michael, left.
Cora questions whether Ralf ever truly loved her and said she felt “stabbed in the heart” after his post last month.
‘The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything’
Cora is a former GQ cover star and remains a huge TV personality in Germany.
“How pathetic does a person have to be to illegally post private WhatsApp messages in order to hide the truth?” Cora wrote on Instagram.
“And you have been seriously suing me for ten years, claiming that I am not protecting your personal rights, while you blatantly violate mine, instead of just coming to me and at least telling me the truth now.”
Cora claims that Ralf introduced her to Etienne simply as an assistant, not as a suitor. She added: “The WhatsApp was my last attempt to at least find out the truth.”
Last week, the famous TV actress Cora broke down in tears when she told Der Spiegel how distressing Ralf’s revelation of his homosexuality had been. She claimed that she had been psychologically manipulated by Ralf, who competed in Formula 1 between 1997 and 2007.
“I would have liked Ralf to have included me or at least let me participate in his decision. It would have been a sign of respect,” she told Der Spiegel.
‘During his F1 career there were a lot of rumours in the paddock. I asked him to clarify if what was being said was true, but he always denied it, telling me that he imagined it all and that perhaps he needed psychological help.
“When he announced it, it was like a stab in the heart. Coming out always affects those around you, including the ex-wife with whom you had a child.
‘Today I feel used during the marriage. I feel like I wasted my best years. I ask myself many questions. Was he honest with me?
The 47-year-old had her own racing career (left) driving in various championships, was a Playboy model and most recently joined adult platform OnlyFans.
His son David Schumacher, right, also a racing driver, expressed support for his father when he came out as gay.
Etienne and Ralf met a couple of years ago in Monaco according to the couple’s friend.
“And there’s something even more important that worries me: did he love me? I trusted him blindly and that’s why his word was law for me.
“I feel obliged to correct my public image, just as Mr. Schumacher has the right to come out. Have you even thought for a moment about the consequences for me?”
The pair were believed to still be close when he congratulated her on joining the cast of the German version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in January.
She is a German actress, former GQ cover star, former racing driver and TV presenter and is also on the adult platform Only Fans.
Cora even began racing, inspired by Ralf, competing between 2004 and 2018, with victory in the A2 class of the Dubai 24 Hours as a highlight.
Announcing he was gay last month and sharing a photo of himself and Etienne, Ralf wrote: ‘The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything.’
Speaking about the toxicity between them, Ralf said at the weekend that it was not causing him any tension. “It definitely doesn’t affect me, no,” he told RTL.
David said he is “100 percent behind” his father after the announcement.
Ralf (centre) had a long career in Formula 1, racing for Jordan, Williams and Toyota.
His son David had already expressed his support, writing: ‘I’m so happy that you have finally found someone you really feel very comfortable and safe with, no matter if it’s a man or a woman.
I’m 100 percent behind you, Dad, and I wish you all the best and congratulations.