Ralf's ex-wife hurt by public 'coming out' story

Aug.19 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher’s ex-wife says she feels hurt by the former Formula 1 driver’s ‘coming out’ story.

6-time grand prix winner Ralf, 49, was married to Cora Brinkmann between 2001 and 2015, and they have a 22-year-old son David who is also a racing driver.

The Ralf-David duo won a Prototype Cup Germany race at the Nurburgring at the weekend. “David did the main job,” Ralf Schumacher smiled.

But in the background, Cora was busily telling Der Spiegel magazine that Schumacher’s recent admission that he is gay caught her totally by surprise.

“I just wish Ralf had involved me or at least made me aware of his decision,” Cora, 47, said. “It would have been a sign of respect.

“During his career, there were many rumours in the paddock,” she continued. “I asked him for clarification but he always denied it, telling me that I was imagining everything and that I was the one who needed psychological help.

“The rumours only got worse over the years, making me feel more and more torn. I no longer knew if my head was playing tricks on me. But Ralf was always my most important advisor. I trusted him blindly. His word was my law.”

When asked what she wanted Ralf to tell her prior to his public ‘coming out’, the former Mrs Schumacher answered: “He could have said ‘Be careful, Cora. I’m sorry’. Or ‘I didn’t know how to tell you this. Or ‘I really did love you.

“But I got nothing. It was a stab in the heart,” Cora added. “Coming out always affects the people around you, including your ex-wife with whom you had a child.

“Right now, I feel like I was used during the marriage – robbed of my best years. Was he honest with me? And most importantly, did he love me?”