Ralf Schumacher comes out as ex-F1 driver goes public with new partner Etienne

Six-time Formula One race winner Ralf Schumacher has come out with an emotional post on social media.

The 49-year-old, the younger brother of F1 legend Michael, shared a photo with his partner Etienne on Sunday night (Monday AEST).

“The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything,” he wrote, translated from German.

Etienne reposted the image and shared his own, writing “above the clouds” in German.

The couple has been in a relationship for two years, according to close friend and reality TV identity Carmen Geiss.

The former F1 driver was previously married to Cora Brinkmann, a fellow racer, from 2001 to 2015.

Their son David, born six months after the wedding, paid tribute to his father on Sunday.

“I am very happy that you have finally found someone with whom you really feel that you feel very comfortable and secure, no matter if you are a man or a woman,” wrote the 22-year-old, who is also a racing driver.

“I am 100 per cent behind you dad and wish you all the best and congratulations.”

Schumacher raced in F1 from 1997 to 2007 during Michael’s era of dominance and enjoyed three seasons as a contender himself.

He won three races in 2001, including his home German Grand Prix, and three more over the next two years.

Schumacher remains embedded in the world of F1 as a commentator and pundit.

He received widespread support after his announcement, with his employer Sky Sport Germany offering a love heart on his post.

Friends and well-wishers also rushed to comment.

“I LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH. You have the best partner, Etienne, you can imagine,” Geiss wrote to Schumacher.

“After two years you can finally show your love to the world.

“I have known Ralf for more than 25 years and he has always been a great joy to me. Always liberal, a good-hearted person who I can call day and night and above all has always been honest with me in his position.

“I am happy that I got to be a part of this love and even more happy for the two who searched and found each other, because I also love Etienne deeply.”

In a separate post, Geiss celebrated Schumacher’s “step (as) an act of liberation and self-acceptance for him”.

“It was a courageous decision that has matured in him for a long time and one he is now full of pride and confidence,” she wrote.

“His outing is not only a personal triumph but a sign that he is finally able to live and love his true identity without fear or shame.”

F1 podcaster Christian Hewgill said: “You can be LGBT+ and anything you want to be. Including a Formula One race winner. Congratulations Ralf Schumacher. Seeing someone I watched win races as a kid coming out feels huge.”