Ralf Schumacher’s ex-mother-in-law defended her daughter amid the scandal and revealed an intimate conversation: “She always denied the rumors”

Ralf Schumacher with Cora when they were still married (Photo by Friedemann Vogel/Bongarts/Getty Images)

More than a month ago, Ralf Schumacher publicly revealed his homosexuality by posting a photo on his social networks with his partner Ettiene. One of the first to react to this confirmation was the ex-wife of the man who was once a Formula 1 driver. In an interview with the German media Der Spiegel, Cora Brinkmann was blunt about the new life of the man she married in 2001 and separated 14 years later.

“I wish Ralf had involved me or at least made me a part of his decision, it would have been a sign of respect.” The model and TV presenter added that during their marriage they faced rumours in the F1 paddock – the area where drivers prepare and meet – about the sexual orientation of the seven-time world champion’s brother.

In response to Cora’s statements, Ralf Schumacher used his social media to defend himself and disqualify his ex-partner’s accusations. “With all the back and forth I would like to make it clear that Cora congratulated us in September (early October) 2023 because she thought we had gotten married. She was also happy. As you can see from this message addressed personally to Ettiene. I think it is a shame for Etienne and me that she spreads so many lies. We both just want to be left alone,” he wrote on his Instagram account and posted a screenshot of the messages.

Faced with this scenario, Ralf’s ex-partner was quick to respond and accused Schumacher of publishing private messages. “How pathetic does a person have to be to illegally publish private WhatsApp messages to hide the truth?” wrote the mother of David, the son she had with the former driver and who is also passionate about the world of motorsports.

Ralf Schumacher with his boyfriend Ettiene

In the midst of the conflict that is shaking public opinion in Germany, Cora’s mother has now appeared on the scene. Ingrid Brinkmann was interviewed by the Bild newspaper and referred to the statements of her son and her former son-in-law. “I am sorry for the way they now insult her in public and present her as a liar,” she said.

“He always denied the rumours to us,” she added, referring to the assumptions about Ralf’s sexual choice that arose over the years and even during the marriage of the former Formula 1 racer and his daughter. At the same time, Ingrid claimed that Cora married the youngest of the Schumacher brothers for love and denied the rumours that she received money for her vows or that the marriage was arranged.

“Of course he slept with Cora. ​​That’s why we all thought it was a bad rumour that Ralf was gay,” she explained in an interview with the German newspaper. She also recounted an intimate conversation she had with the 49-year-old former pilot. “I spoke to Ralf and asked him why there were always problems. He sat down in front of me and said: ‘Ingrid, I assure you, I am definitely not gay. These are just rumours.’”

To conclude, the mother explained that her daughter “fought” for her husband “until it was no longer possible.” And she concluded with a forceful statement about the personality of the driver who spent more than a decade in Formula 1: “Ralf Schumacher does not let himself be imposed on by anything or anyone.”

It should be remembered that the exchange of public messages began after Cora Brinkmann wrote to Der Spiegel in which she gave details of the process after learning of her ex-husband’s change of sexual orientation. “I asked him to clarify if what was being said was true, but he always denied it, telling me that I was imagining everything and that maybe I needed psychological help,” said the ex-partner of Michael’s brother.

“When he announced it, it was like a stab in the heart. Coming out always affects those around you, including the ex-wife with whom you had a child. I feel like I wasted my best years. I ask myself many questions. Was he honest with me? And there is something even more important that is on my mind: did he love me?” said the host, who is also passionate about motor racing. Will there be a new chapter in the scandal that all of Germany is talking about?

The WhatsApp chat that Schumacher published in which Cora congratulated Ralf’s partner on their relationship