Cora Schumacher, ex-wife of former Formula 1 star Ralf, has claimed she ‘feels used’ after he came out as gay in July.
Cora Schumacher and Ralf Schumacher were married for 14 years until they split in 2015 and had a son, David, who is also a racing driver.
Schumacher, brother of seven-time champion Michael, revealed he was in a relationship with his French business manager Etienne on social media last month.
Cora Schumacher found out over social media and believes she was psychologically manipulated by Schumacher during their marriage.
‘I wish Ralf had included me or at least let me be part of his decision. It would have been a sign of respect,’ she told Der Spiegel, via Marca.
‘During his career in F1, there were many rumours in the paddock. 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.
‘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.
‘Today I feel used during the marriage. I feel like I’ve wasted my best years. I ask myself many questions. Was he honest with me?
‘And there’s something even more important that’s on my mind: did he love me? I trusted him blindly and that’s why his word was law for me.’
Ralf Schumacher, 49, has been with Etienne for two years having met in Monaco, according to Carmen Geiss, an actress and close friend of the couple.
His son, David, 22, shared his support for his father on social media when he revealed he was homosexual.
‘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 they are a man or a woman,’ he wrote.
‘I am 100 per cent behind you dad and wish you all the best and congratulations.’
Cora Schumacher, 47, tied the knot with Schumacher in 2001 and was with him for 14 years.
The pair were still believed to be close as he congratulated her on joining the cast of the German version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in January.
She is a German actress, model, former racing driver and television presenter and is also on the adult platform Only Fans.
In October 2003, she featured on the cover of the German edition of GQ before turning her attention to racing.
Influenced by her husband, she made her racing debut in 2004 as part of the celebrity team in the Mini Challenge in Germany, qualifying 22nd out of 24 for her first race.
From there she went on to more competitive racing and enjoyed 14 years of it until she hung up her wheel in 2018.
In 2006 she signed for the SEAT Leon Supercopa alongside Christina Surer in a deal that made her the highest-paid women driver in the world.
There were also two appearances in the Mini Challenge, a victory in the Dubai 24 Hours A2 class, and a showing in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Cup.