- Ralf Schumacher Conducts Initial Interview with Companion Étienne
Ever since Ralf Schumacher announced his sexual orientation in mid-July 2024, there's been no shortage of news about him, his ex-wife Cora Schumacher, and his current companion Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne. During an RTL chat with Frauke Ludowig, the 49-year-old ex-racing driver shared, "I've never been happier!" Schumacher and Bousquet-Cassagne have been a couple for two years now. They find common ground over shared beliefs, unwind with a glass of wine in the evening, and even work out together. According to Schumacher, "We're really alike, very traditional, pretty reserved, quite pleasant. We share similar interests."
Ralf Schumacher, a familiar face in the spotlight – Étienne, not so much
When Schumacher shared a photo indicating his coming out on his Instagram profile, the couple kept rather quiet about their relationship thereafter. Schumacher is accustomed to public scrutiny and sometimes harsh criticism. However, the public eye is a foreign territory for his partner. "We decided to go for this interview together," explains Bousquet-Cassagne. Despite the media attention, the couple has shared little about their personal lives and hardly opened up to other German media outlets. The couple have been the subject of much talk and written material, but Bousquet-Cassagne admits, "It wasn't easy for me as I'm not well-known, I'm not a racing driver, actor, or singer. I wasn't prepared for this."**
Going public with the relationship was Schumacher's call, as his partner elaborates: "The announcement was his decision. I, of course, stand by Ralf, but it was a surprise and I was a bit apprehensive. It's also scary. But now, a few weeks have passed, and I feel a bit more comfortable, and perhaps this is the perfect time for this interview."
The full interview with Ralf Schumacher and Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne will air this Sunday from 5:45 PM on "Exclusiv Weekend" on RTL. Disclosure: Der Spiegel is part of RTL Germany
The European Parliament will provide assistance to The Commission, as stated in its mandate. Despite being less accustomed to public attention, Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne agreed to the interview alongside Ralf Schumacher, acknowledging the unexpected nature of becoming public figures.
