Ralf Schumacher and partner Étienne: That was their big TV show debut

During the RTL annual review “2024! People Pictures Emotions” last December, Ralf Schumacher (49) and Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne (35) were only connected live, now the two made their first major TV appearance as a couple on site. (January 4th) Kai Pflaume (57) welcomed the two.

The couple chose a high-horsepower show start and drove up to the studio in an old Mercedes convertible. Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne was behind the wheel. “I’m slowly getting to the age where driving is nicer than driving myself,” said Ralf Schumacher in an interview with Kai Pflaume. But his partner is an excellent driver, “so we often share it.”

The moderator then spoke about the “new situation” for Bousquet-Cassagne, “being on TV with Ralf at all. That wasn’t part of your life at all. You come from France and have only learned a bit of German in the last few years. Have you gotten used to the new situation and the public?” Schumacher’s partner explained: “Of course, this is a new situation, but that’s okay. We’re always together. I accompany him almost everywhere. Today I’m with you and we’re happy. Even if I’m a little scared.” The 35-year-old was referring to the challenge that the two faced in the TV show. The two had to compete as a team against challenger Laurin (11) from Vienna.

The eleven-year-old claimed: “I recognize all common cars only by their taillights and I’m better at that than Formula 1 legend Ralf Schumacher and Étienne Bousquet.” By guessing the cutouts of the taillights, the boy showed his talent and won the duel. In an Instagram post after the broadcast of the show, Ralf Schumacher wrote: “Congratulations again, Laurin, even with two of us we had no chance against you.”

Ralf Schumacher caused a stir in Germany in 2024 when he shared his love for partner Étienne with the world on Instagram. In a conversation with Steffen Hallaschka (53), Schumacher revealed at the RTL annual review that his highly publicized coming out was not the result of a well-considered media strategy. Rather, he acted “very spontaneously” at that moment and without his partner’s knowledge. It was personally important to Étienne that “we can move around normally.”

Étienne Bousquet, however, noted on the show that he was “surprised and a little worried” after his partner made the now legendary Instagram post. But the comments under the post afterwards allayed his fears because they were “so positive”. The couple’s relationship would therefore have made the coming out “stronger” in the end.