Ralf Schumacher is planning a three-day wedding celebration in Saint-Tropez this May, less than two years after publicly revealing he was in a same-sex relationship, German outlet Bild has reported.
The 50-year-old former Formula One driver will marry partner Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne, 36, at the French coastal resort. The six-time Grand Prix winner announced his relationship with Etienne in July 2024.
Schumacher’s ex-wife Cora has sent the couple her well-wishes despite previously burning her wedding dress and publicly stating she has Ralf “blocked” on her phone following their divorce. “[My partner] Steven and I wish Ralf and Etienne all the best and much happiness,” Cora stated.
The former couple married in 2001 and spent 13 years together, welcoming son David into the world before their separation. Cora has since found love with new partner Steven Bo Bekendam, a 44-year-old American.
However, Cora claims she is not currently in contact with either Ralf or their son David. Since the divorce, she has made several public criticisms of her ex-husband including revealing he is blocked from contacting her via phone.
Ralf Schumacher raced in Formula One between 1997 and 2007, driving for Jordan, Williams and Toyota during his decade-long career. He secured six Grand Prix victories before retiring from the sport.
The former driver is believed to spend most of the year in the south of France with partner Etienne, positioning the May wedding in Saint-Tropez close to their current residence. The three-day celebration format suggests an extended event for family and friends.
Schumacher has maintained a relatively low public profile compared to his brother Michael, the seven-time world champion whose condition has been kept secret since a devastating skiing accident in 2013. Michael spent months in a coma after hitting his head on a rock and his family has not disclosed details of his current situation.
Ralf has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of Michael’s condition and has hinted at drifting apart from his brother’s family. He told German publication Bunte in 2023: “Unfortunately, sometimes life isn’t fair. We have to accept it. When I see [Michael’s wife] Gina-Maria and [his son] Mick, my heart smiles.”
The former driver added: “If someone in the family is looking for my advice, I’m there. They go their own way,” suggesting limited regular contact with Michael’s immediate family despite the brothers’ shared Formula One legacy.
The May wedding will take place at one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive destinations, with Saint-Tropez known for hosting high-profile celebrations. Details of the specific venue and guest list have not been publicly disclosed.
Schumacher’s coming out in July 2024 was met with widespread support from the motorsport community. The announcement represented a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in Formula One, a sport that has historically had limited openly gay figures.
The three-day wedding format allows for extended celebrations typical of destination weddings in exclusive locations. Saint-Tropez’s May weather provides ideal conditions for outdoor ceremonies and receptions along the French Riviera.
