Ralf Schumacher’s former wife has offered a congratulatory message after reports in Germany claimed the ex-Formula One driver is preparing to marry his partner less than two years after publicly confirming he is gay.
Schumacher, 50, is set to wed Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne, 36, in the South of France in May, with celebrations expected to run across three days in Saint-Tropez, where the couple are said to spend much of their time.
Despite a fractious period following their separation, Schumacher’s former spouse Cora Schumacher has now publicly wished the pair well, in what may signal a softening of relations between the two.
Speaking to German newspaper BILD, she said: “Steven and I wish Ralf and Etienne all the best and much happiness,” referring to her current partner, American businessman Steven Bo Bekendam.
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Ralf and Cora married in Salzburg in 2001 and were together for 13 years.
They share a son, David Schumacher, now 24.
Ralf Schumacher was previously married to Cora Schumacher for 13 years | GETTYTheir split, and Ralf’s subsequent disclosure that he was in a same-sex relationship, triggered a highly public dispute that played out in the media, at one stage prompting Cora to say she wanted to be left alone so she could “heal in peace”.
In the years that followed, she spoke candidly about her sense that she had “wasted” some of her best years, while also pushing back against persistent rumours surrounding the nature of their marriage.
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Ralf Schumacher pictured with partner Etienne
| INSTAGRAMAmong the more sensational claims were suggestions it had been staged or bound by a long-term contractual arrangement - allegations she has consistently denied.
Appearing previously on comedian Oliver Pocher’s programme, she rejected the idea that the relationship had been orchestrated, insisting she had no such agreement in place and would never have entered the marriage under those terms.
She added that the speculation had been deeply hurtful.
BILD reports that Cora’s recent message comes despite the fact she has had no direct contact with either Ralf or their son for some time.
F1 facts fans might not know | GETTY/GBNEWSThe outlet also cited an unnamed acquaintance who expressed surprise at Schumacher’s decision to remarry, referencing a remark he had once made - paraphrasing Oscar Wilde - about second marriages following divorce.
Schumacher publicly declared his love for Etienne in July 2024, marking a significant personal moment more than a decade after his separation from Cora.
In his F1 career, the 50-year-old won six Formula One races across an 11-year career.
He also secured 27 podium finishes and 6 pole positions in 180 race starts.