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Ralf Schumacher has revealed that his dad tried to usher him away from motorsport and towards a career in the kitchen
The success of his older brother – seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher – ensured he would have a tough act to follow. But after Ralf made his Grand Prix bow in 1997, he went on to forge a fruitful decade-long career which included six race wins and 27 podiums.
Ralf was born seven years after Michael. And their dad, Rolf, recognised the slim chances of both brothers achieving their dreams.
racing brothers’ father pinpointed a career in catering as a potential opportunity for Ralf to make his mark in a different industry. “He wanted me to be a chef, to have a proper job and not motor racing, because [he thought] you could not make money with it,” the 49-year-old continued.
“Even when Michael was in Formula 1, my father said, ‘No, no, forget it. He was so lucky. One is amazing already, but two will never make it. So do something else.’
When all was said and done with their respective F1 careers, the Schumacher brothers had racked up nearly 500 Grand Prix starts between them. Ralf retired in 2007 after stints with Jordan, Williams and Toyota, while Ferrari legend Michael walked away five years later.
The family was devastated in 2013 when, while on a skiing holiday with his family, Michael hit his head on a rock and suffered life-changing injuries. The 56-year-old has not been seen in public since, and the specifics of his condition remain shrouded in secrecy.
