Ralfs Out…

[Wish]

Michael Schumacher's brother, and former Formula One driver, Ralf, comes out as he shares picture with his partner on social media alongside heartfelt message.

Is this the first driver / ex driver to come out?

Not that it should be news this day and age. I didn’t realise he split with his wife back in 2015

[babelfish]

Wish said:

should be news this day and age.

Says the person highlighting it.

[Evolved]

Wish said:

Michael Schumacher's brother, and former Formula One driver, Ralf, comes out as he shares picture with his partner on social media alongside heartfelt message.

Is this the first driver / ex driver to come out?

Not that it should be news this day and age. I didn’t realise he split with his wife back in 2015

Cool.

[Jimjimhim]

[PhilAsia]

Someone loves someone...great...next!!!

[SteBrown91]

It’s been a semi open secret for years

Katie price has mentioned it (she went out with him for a while) but I assume people thought she was just spouting her usual bks

[ellroy]

Quite. Everyone knew about this more than 10 years back.

[Alex Z]

ellroy said:

Quite. Everyone knew about this more than 10 years back.

First I’d heard of it, and when it was posted on a different forum I use, it appeared to be new information to people.

[bennno]

Wasn’t there a family blackmail pot about 4-6 weeks back? Is that related?

[HTP99]

Alex Z said:

ellroy said:

Quite. Everyone knew about this more than 10 years back.

First I’d heard of it, and when it was posted on a different forum I use, it appeared to be new information to people.

Pretty sure I knew about this too or at least it was in my subconscious as when I read about it I was "oh, not surprised"

[Jimjimhim]

HTP99 said:

Alex Z said:

ellroy said:

Quite. Everyone knew about this more than 10 years back.

First I’d heard of it, and when it was posted on a different forum I use, it appeared to be new information to people.

Pretty sure I knew about this too or at least it was in my subconscious as when I read about it I was "oh, not surprised"

I had never heard of it, but I'm glad I now know, so thanks to the OP for highlighting this important news.

[Gazzab]

Why is a retired f1 drivers relationship status of any relevance or worthy of posting on here. The world is a bizarre place when homophobic postings are still a thing.

[ralphrj]

bennno said:

Wasn’t there a family blackmail pot about 4-6 weeks back? Is that related?

I think that was regarding medical data on Michael that was stolen by a security guard who, together with an accomplice, tried to extort $15m from the family to return it. They were arrested recently.

[Presuming Ed]

It was common knowledge back when he was racing so not sure why the need to come out twenty years later but all power to him. Its a shame all round that he had to use Cora as his cover for all those years.

[Jasandjules]

Ok, good for him. None of our business though is it?

[C5_Steve]

Jasandjules said:

Ok, good for him. None of our business though is it?

In fairness and defence of the OP, Ralf posted it himself on his Instagram so it kind of is "our" business as now Ralf has announced it to the world, even if it was muttered about or rumoured. Ralf wants everyone to know so there's no issue with highlighting it is there? Plus, there's been a huge outpouring of support/congratulations etc on social media for him for making the announcement.

Whilst I agree in an ideal world he shouldn't have to announce his relationship preferences it's still (unfortunately in some arenas) a pretty big deal and highlighting it in a positive way may help others struggling to be their own authentic selves in an environment dominated by one demographic. Let's be honest F1 doesn't have the best track record for inclusivity, does it?

I saw his ex-wife made a lovely post about how proud she was he now feels comfortable living his life in the open and what an amazing father he is. Very sweet.

[ChemicalChaos]

Wish said:

Is this the first driver / ex driver to come out?

No, I believe there was an openly gay driver in the 70s. Name escapes me at the minute though.

I am surprised it's such a big deal, I always thought motorsport (excluding a few outliers such as Nascar) is a very tolerant community - not like trying to come out whilst being a footballer or similar

[Jimjimhim]

ChemicalChaos said:

Wish said:

Is this the first driver / ex driver to come out?

No, I believe there was an openly gay driver in the 70s. Name escapes me at the minute though.

I am surprised it's such a big deal, I always thought motorsport (excluding a few outliers such as Nascar) is a very tolerant community - not like trying to come out whilst being a footballer or similar

Is it a big deal? Does anyone actually care?

[Derek Smith]

One of the tight five in my rugby club 'came out' to the players after some years of playing together. My lad told me he was upset some said they already knew, and for the rest, it was unimportant. The poor guy had geared himself up, risked, he believed, being ostracised by his mates, but when he told them, they just sort of nodded.

It's not news nowadays. It would have been something back 'when I were a lad', but even then most people didn't care.

I hope he wasn't forced to go public by threats or blackmail. If he was, then that would have been news.

[TheDeuce]

babelfish said:

Wish said:

should be news this day and age.

Says the person highlighting it.

Although I suppose Ralf himself made it 'news' by going public, which I understand from his perspective.

Why anyone else should be interested is beyond me though, it's just an irrelevant bit of insight into a strangers life.