Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne, the partner of former F1 star Ralf Schumacher, has stated that he is ‘disappointed’ with the comments of the German’s ex-wife, Carmen Geiss.
The former Williams driver came out as gay in July, taking to social media to go public with his new relationship with Bousquet-Cassagne. Schumacher received widespread praise and support for the announcement, but ex-wife Geiss was less than impressed.
Geiss, who was married to Schumacher between 2001 and 2015, told Der Spiegel: “I wish Ralf had included me or at least let me be part of his decision. It would have been a sign of respect.
“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?”
Now Schumacher’s partner has hit back. In an interview with RTL, Bousquet-Cassagne said: “I thought we had a good connection with Cora. When she arrived, she asked me: ‘Are you sleeping together?’
“I told her: ‘Yes, of course. We are together. We are a couple.’ And she was happy for us. That was okay, that was great, a great week with Cora. That’s why I’m disappointed now.”
While Schumacher and Bousquet-Cassagne only went public with their relationship earlier this summer, they have been together for other two years according to Geiss, with the pair meeting in Monaco.
When the announcement was made on social media in July, Schumacher attracted praise and well-wishes from the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri.