Cora Schumacher, the ex-wife of former Formula 1 star Ralf, has claimed she “feels used” after he came out as gay in July.
The couple were married for 14 years until they separated in 2015 and had a son, David, who is also a racing driver.
Schumacher, brother of seven-time champion Michael, revealed he was in a relationship with his French sales representative Etienne on social media last month.
Cora found out through social media and believes she was psychologically manipulated by Schumacher during their marriage.
“I would have liked Ralf to have included me or at least let me be part of his decision. It would have been a sign of respect,” he told Der Spiegel, via Brand.
Ralf Schumacher’s ex-wife Cora claims she ‘feels used’ after he came out as gay in July
Ralf is pictured with his partner Etienne, his French sales representative whom he met in Monaco.
‘The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything’
Cora Schumacher wonders if he really loved her and feels “stabbed in the heart”
‘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?
“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.”
Ralf Schumacher, 49, has been with Etienne for two years after meeting in Monaco, according to Carmen Geiss, an actress and close friend of the couple.
His son, David, 22, shared his support for his father on social media when he came out as gay.
‘I’m so glad you finally found someone you feel really comfortable and safe with, no matter if it’s a man or a woman,’ she wrote.
I’m 100 percent behind you, Dad, and I wish you all the best and congratulations.
Ralf, a six-time Grand Prix winner, competed between 1997 and 2007. He is pictured with his legendary brother Michael, left.
Cora and Ralf married in 2001, had a son that year, and were together for 14 years.
She is a former GQ cover star and remains a huge TV personality in Germany.
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.
Cora, 47, married Schumacher in 2001 and was with him for 14 years.
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, model, former racing driver and television presenter and is also on the adult platform Only Fans.
In October 2003, he appeared on the cover of the German edition of GQ before turning his attention to racing.
Influenced by her husband, she made her racing debut in 2004 as part of the celebrity team at the Mini Challenge in Germany, qualifying 22nd out of 24 for her first race.
From there he moved on to more competitive racing and enjoyed it for 14 years until he hung up his wheel in 2018.
Ralf’s son David (above) said he is “100 percent behind” his father after the announcement.
Ralf’s French partner Etienne is seen on a yacht in Monaco harbour during an F1 race weekend.
In 2006 she signed for the SEAT León Supercopa alongside Christina Surer in a deal that made her the highest-paid female driver in the world.
There were also two appearances in the Mini Challenge, a victory in the A2 class of the Dubai 24 Hours and a participation in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Cup.
