Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher comes out
Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher hard launched his relationship with his same-sex partner.
The racer came out with a post on Instagram of a photo where he's holding another man as they watch a sunset while on a yacht.
"The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything," Schumacher wrote in German.
In his Instagram stories, the former Formula One driver also reshared photos of him, his partner, and TV personality Carmen Geiss.
"I would like to tell you about a person who plays a very special role in my life. I have known and loved him endlessly for many years," she wrote in German."
"Today he has admitted his homosexuality. For him, this step was an act of liberation and self-acceptance. It was a courageous decision that took a long time to mature within him and he now makes it with pride and self-confidence. His coming out is not only a personal triumph but also a sign that he is finally able to live and love his true identity, without fear or shame."
Schumacher, 49, has won six grands prix and has driven for Jordan, Williams, and Toyota. He's also the brother of seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher.
The racer was previously married to former model Cora Brinkmann from 2001 to 2015. They share a son, David Schumacher, born in 2001.
David, who's also in racing, expressed his support for his dad.
"I am very happy that you have finally found someone with whom you really feel very comfortable and secure... I am 100% behind you, Dad, and wish you all the best and congratulations," he said.
LGBTQ+ in motorsports
In Formula One, there are only a few openly LGBTQ+ drivers including Mike Beuttler and Lella Lombardi.
Outside the international racing class, racers Abbie Eaton, Jessica Hawkins, Sarah Moore, Devon Rouse, Rita Goulet, Stephen Rhodes, Code Dennison, and Zach Herrin have come out as queer.
Hurley Haywood, a three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans who was active from 1977 to 1994, also revealed he is gay in his autobiography titled Hurley: From The Beginning.