How Michael Schumacher's daughter uses lucrative passion to cope with dad's accident

Formula One legend has become a grandfather after his daughter announced she has given birth to her first child. Gina-Maria Schumacher, 28, took to social media to announce that she and husband Iain Bethke, , welcomed their daughter Millie into the on March 29.

Gina is said to be a millionaire thanks to her contribution in the competitive world of equestrian sports, particularly in Western-style horse riding. A talented reining rider, she has already picked up , including a gold medal at the FEI World Reining Championships for Juniors.

Her growing reputation in the equestrian world, backed by a string of lucrative sponsorships and competition earnings, has seen her career flourish financially. Gina is the first German to call herself 'Million Dollar Rider' which means she's earned more than one million in winnings.

READ MORE:

Despite operating in a vastly different sport from her father, the influence of the seven-time F1 world champion is unmistakable. Friends and insiders often describe Gina as having inherited Michael's famous discipline, competitive spirit, and quiet determination.

Those qualities have not only helped her dominate in the saddle but also led to a blossoming public profile in elite sporting circles. Gina is largely based in Switzerland with her husband Iain Bethke, who is originally from Berwangen in Germany.

Speaking to She's Magazine in 2019, Corinna and her daughter said that while her son Mick is following in his father's footsteps with a racing career, mother and daughter were united in their love of Western riding. They reportedly said that working with horses gave them both the strength to carry on and to deal with the tragedy.

The duo have a ranch in the Swiss town of Givrins - which was gifted to Corinna by Michael in 2005 for their 10th wedding anniversary - with the mother and daughter organising riding events there. Corinna told the magazine: "I don't forget who I have to thank for this [sic]. That would be my husband Michael."

In February 2018, Gina won a gold medal at the National Reining Horse Association's novice Cavalli and she topped World Championships for junior riders in 2018. It is also understood that Gina and her mother have a ranch in Gordonville, Texas.

In January 2024, Gina penned a rare birthday tribute to her father online, writing: "Happy Birthday Papa!" alongside snaps of her she penned, sharing a snap of herself and Mick with their father when they were younger. "Throwback to one of many of our adventures."

Michael was very protective of his family's privacy when his children were younger, something they are now returning the favour for. Gina made headlines in 2023 after tying the knot with Iain in a private ceremony at the Schumacher family home, Villa Yasmin, in Puerto De Andratx, Mallorca.

The intimate affair was kept tightly under wraps - typical of the Schumacher family's preference for privacy in the years since Michael's 2013 skiing accident.

There was intense speculation at the time that Michael himself may have attended the wedding. The rumour mill went into overdrive, with some reports suggesting he was present in a wheelchair and able to witness his daughter's big day. However, these claims were disputed by sources close to the family, who have remained steadfast in maintaining a respectful silence around his condition.

Michael's wife, Corinna, who has been his primary carer, was said to be deeply involved in planning the wedding, with reports of heartfelt speeches and a strong family presence. It marked a rare glimpse into the personal lives of the Schumachers, who have kept largely out of the public eye for over a decade.

While updates on Michael remain scarce, the F1 champion has now become a grandfather. He is also the father to German racing driver Mick, aged 26. Gina continues to build her equestrian empire - reportedly attracting interest from luxury fashion houses and equestrian brands. Sharing the news of her birth on social media, she wrote: "Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29, our hearts are fuller than ever. We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives."

Michael, now 56, suffered life changing injuries in a skiing accident in 2013. The racing driver had retired just a year prior, with daughter Gina present during the accident at an upmarket resort of Meribel in France.

After hitting an exposed rock, he collided with another rock just metres away with his helmet cracked in two by the collision. With wife Corinna building a comprehensive medical suite at their family home on Lake Geneva, which is believed to be staffed by numerous doctors and aides, the Schumachers withdrew into privacy.

A court hearing heard how he was unable to walk or stand following the accident. Recent reports suggest Schumacher is "completely dependent" on caregivers and "can no longer express himself verbally".

READ MORE: