SUZUKA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 10: Motorsport / Formel 1: GP von Japan 2004, Suzuka; Qualifying; Ralf SCHUMACHER / GER / BMW-WILLIAMS startet aus der ersten Reihe.Michael SCHUMACHER / GER / Ferrari startet von der Pole Position. 10.10.04. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images) (Image: Bongarts/Getty Images)
Ralf Schumacher, brother of F1 legend Michael Schumacher, once expressed a heartbreaking wish following his brother’s terrifying ski accident that forever altered their relationship.
Raised in the West German town of Hurth, Michael, 55, and Ralf, 49, nurtured a shared passion for motorsports from a young age, frequently using their parents’ go-kart track as budding speed enthusiasts. Both brothers successfully transformed their love for racing into remarkable careers, becoming the first and only siblings to each secure victories in Formula One races, and also the first siblings to clinch first and second place in the same race.
Despite a considerable seven-year age difference, the brothers maintained a close bond throughout their racing careers, supporting each other through triumphs, setbacks, and frightening crashes. Upon retirement – Michael in 2006 and Ralf in 2012 – they eagerly anticipated the next phase of their lives as an indomitable pair.
However, disaster struck.
During Christmas 2013, Michael suffered a horrific crash while skiing in the French Alps, hitting his head against a rock. Miraculously, he survived the accident, with his helmet absorbing most of the impact.
Formula One Canadian Grand Prix winner Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher (R) of Germany talks to his brother, second place finisher Williams driver Ralf Schumacher (L) of Germany, on the podium, 15 June, 2003, at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Nonetheless, his head injury was severe, necessitating two life-altering surgeries and a medically induced coma.
The state of Michael Schumacher’s health remains a closely guarded secret, as his family continues to focus on safeguarding his privacy. Since 2013 the iconic racing figure has been largely hidden away from the world’s eyes.
Recent reports, however, suggest that Michael was present at daughter Gina’s wedding held in Majorca.
Michael’s devoted wife Corinna provides care for him at their home, where access is limited to a small circle of friends and family members. Last November, his brother Ralf detailed the sorry state of affairs post-accident, lamenting the loss of contact with Corinna and Michael yet voicing a fervent desire.
The Schumacher brothers set the world of F1 ablaze and earned multiple records (Image: ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Ralf disclosed his emotions to Bunte magazine, expressing joy at the sight of Michael’s children, Gina-Maria and Mick, stating, “When I see his children Gina-Maria and Mick, my heart smiles. If someone in the family is looking for my advice, I’m there. They go their own way.”
He wistfully noted, “I miss the Michael of the old days. Life is unfair from time to time. Michael was very lucky throughout his life. But then there was this tragic accident. Michael wasn’t only my brother. When we were kids, he was also my coach and mentor. He taught me literally everything about kart racing.”
Despite previous alienation within the once tight-knit Schumacher household, it seems possible relations are warming; Ralph made an appearance at his niece’s Majorcan wedding, in the company of his new partner Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne.
According to the Daily Mail, there had been whispered concerns about Ralf Schumacher’s ex-wife Cora potentially being ‘indiscreet,’ a worry shared by those close to his brother Michael. However, insiders now reveal ‘no concerns’ about Ralf and his French business manager partner Etienne.
Ralf announced he was gay in July, following his split from Cora in 2015 after a 14-year marriage with the former Playboy model. Celebrating love and openness, he posted an endearing photo with Etienne against a seascape backdrop on , captioned: “The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything.”
The pair have received an outpouring of positive reactions, prompting the Schumacher family spokesperson to express their amazement at the global support: “Ralf and Etienne are overwhelmed by the great response from around the world, nobody could have expected that.”
Amidst this, there is a buzz about another potential wedding bringing joy to the Schumacher clan. Mick Schumacher, Michaels son, is said to be engaged to Laila Hasanovic – notably, shes the only girlfriend who has been allowed to visit Michael in his convalescence.