David Schumacher applauds his father's coming-out
Completely surprising, Ralf Schumacher makes his relationship with a man public just before the EM finale. His son David supports him particularly in this. "I stand behind you 100% whether man or woman", writes the young racing driver.
Ralf Schumacher made his love for a man public with an Instagram post and thus became one of the few former or current stars from the sports world to come out as non-heterosexual. The move of the former Formula 1 pilot caused great attention on Sunday evening before the finale of the European Football Championship, collecting thousands of comments under his Instagram photo, in which he is shown with his partner.
David Schumacher, the only child from Ralf Schumacher's marriage to ex-model Cora Schumacher, also expressed himself about his father's coming-out: "I'm very happy that you've finally found someone where you really feel safe and secure", writes David Schumacher under his father's post. "Whether man or woman, I stand behind you 100%, Papa, and wish you all the best and heartfelt congratulations".
Rare is the top athlete who comes out
David Schumacher is the only child from Ralf Schumacher's marriage to Cora Schumacher. They married in 2001, the same year their son David was born. Cora and Ralf Schumacher have been living apart since 2009, but the divorce was not finalized until 2015.
Ralf Schumacher, who raced in 180 Formula 1 races and won six of them, is one of the few former or current German top athletes who have come out publicly. The most prominent among them is the former German football national player Thomas Hitzlsperger. The third-place finisher at the 2006 World Championship announced his homosexuality in 2014, a year after his career ended.
David Schumacher could not follow exactly in his father's footsteps. The 22-year-old was unable to make it into the top class, like his father Ralf and his uncle and record world champion Michael, but he currently races in the ADAC GT Masters. And with growing success: With his partner Salman Owega, Schumacher scored his first win in the series at the Nürburgring last weekend. A few hours before his father's coming-out, he added another victory.
Ralf Schumacher's announcement of his love life sparked interest in the entertainment world, with many discussing his bravery in the face of societal norms. Despite not being in the same sport, David Schumacher's success in the ADAC GT Masters and recent victories have also gained attention, showcasing his talent and dedication.
Ralf Schumacher's public coming-out as homosexual makes him join a small group of prominent athletes in Germany who have openly acknowledged their sexuality, following in the footsteps of former German football national player Thomas Hitzlsperger.
