Ralf Schumacher, former Formula One driver, has come out as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In an Instagram post on Sunday (14 July), Ralf celebrated his relationship with his partner Etienne, with the photo showing the couple in an embrace as they look at an ocean-view sunset.

The accompanying caption reads: “The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything.”

Ralf, 49, won the Grand Prix six times in his 11-year career.

He is the younger brother of seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumaker, making them the only siblings to each win a Formula One race.

Between 2001 and 2015, Ralf was married to former model Cora-Caroline Brinkmann, with whom he has a son, David, 22.

David celebrated his dad’s (public) coming out post, sharing on Instagram that he’s “very happy that you have finally found someone with whom you really feel that you feel very comfortable and secure”.

He added: “I am 100% behind you dad and wish you all the best and congratulations.”

German actress Carmen Geiss, Ralf’s close friend, wrote: “Today he confessed his homosexuality. This step was 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.

“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.”

Carmen continued to praise Ralf’s “courage and honesty”: “And I’m endlessly grateful to have him in my life. His journey to himself is proof that love, acceptance and self-truth are the greatest forces in our lives.

“And I love them both with all my heart and am glad that I found two hearts.”

Before Ralf, the only known openly gay Formula One driver was Mike Beuttler, who raced between 1971 and 1973.