Ralf Schumacher has criticised Sebastian Vettel for making "narrow-minded" comments about "old white men" in Formula One after the former driver came out as gay.
The 49-year-old, brother of seven-time world champion Michael, took issue with Vettel's characterisation of motorsport following his public announcement last July.
Vettel had praised Schumacher as an important role model but described F1 as "a world where old white men party on petrol".
Schumacher insisted this portrayal was "completely wrong".
Ralf Schumacher has criticised Sebastian Vettel for making "narrow-minded" comments about "old white men" in Formula One after the former driver came out as gay
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The ex-F1 star revealed his sexuality in July 2023 by sharing a photo on social media with his partner Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne.
Schumacher disclosed he had been in a relationship with the French business manager for two years.
His announcement marked a significant moment in motorsport, where few high-profile figures have publicly come out.
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Ralf Schumacher announced he was in a relationship with a man named Etienne last year
INSTAGRAMVettel later commented on Schumacher's decision in an interview with Swiss newspaper Tagesanzeiger, calling him an important role model for others.
The four-time world champion Vettel had praised Schumacher's courage in coming out.
"If we look at the statistics, many tennis and soccer players would be gay, but it's still very difficult to come out in sports and be accepted," Vettel said.
He added: "Actually, it's good, but of course, motorsport is still a world where old white men party on petrol."
Vettel also referenced Lewis Hamilton breaking down barriers as the first Black Formula 1 driver, recalling "nasty comments" directed at Hamilton.
Schumacher responded directly to Vettel's characterisation on Instagram.
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"Thank you for the appreciation," Schumacher wrote. "However, I find the remark about old white men is completely wrong because it is not true. I find this wording very narrow-minded."
The six-time Grand Prix winner emphasised that his coming out had been well received within the sport.
"For me the outing was no problem and I was supported by the entire F1," he added.
Schumacher had previously faced comments from Sergio Perez's father that appeared to mock his sexuality.
Ralf Schumacher was previously married to Cora Schumacher for 13 years
GETTYAntonio Perez Garibay made remarks in November questioning if Schumacher "was in love with Checo" after the pundit criticised his son on Sky Germany.
Perez distanced himself from his father's comments, claiming he had made a "mistake".
Schumacher responded graciously, writing on Instagram: "I would also stand behind my son 100 percent and try to help. That is why I am not angry with him."
