Ralf Schumacher’s ex-wife insists she will keep his famous surname despite their ongoing row after he came out as gay.
Schumacher, the younger brother of seven-time world champion Michael and a six-time Formula One race winner, revealed he was gay in July after sharing an Instagram post of himself alongside his new partner, French business manager Etienne.
Cora Schumacher, who was married to Ralf for 14 years and has a son named David together, said she felt “used” and as if she had “wasted her best years” following the announcement.
IMAGE It was reported that Ralf wanted Cora to drop her famous last name after their fight.
However, he has promised in an Instagram story to his 460,000 followers that he will keep the name Schumacher.
Cora Schumacher has vowed to keep her famous surname despite her bitter feud with ex-husband Ralf
Cora was married to former Formula One star Ralf from 2001 to 2015.
Ralf (left) revealed he was gay in July after sharing an Instagram post of himself alongside his new partner, French business manager Etienne (right)
As translated by the German publication, she said: ‘I’m feeling a little better again.
‘Even though it would make a lot of people happy, no, I haven’t lost my smile. And I’ll wait… wait, let me think… I’ll keep my name. Especially now.’
Cora, whose maiden name is Brinkmann, added: “I actually intended to give up this name (Schumacher).
“But no. I’ve had enough pain and sorrow. Cora Schumacher is my brand, I built it alone and independently.”
Cora claimed last month that she discovered Ralf was gay through social media and believes Schumacher psychologically manipulated her 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, according to Marca.
‘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.
Ralf, a six-time race winner, competed between 1997 and 2007 (pictured with his brother Michael)
She is a former GQ cover star and remains a huge TV personality in Germany.
Ralf’s son David (above) said he is “100 percent behind” his father after the announcement.
‘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.
Ralf and Cora 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.
Cora and Ralf were believed to still be close after he congratulated her on joining the cast of the German version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in January.
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.
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.
