Michael Schumacher's daughter slammed for marriage decision: 'I wouldn't have done that'

Gina-Marie Schumacher, the daughter of F1 icon Michael, has come under fire for her decision to abandon her famous surname.

Gina-Marie tied the knot with her partner Ian Bethke last month at their family's plush £27million villa in Mallorca at a private ceremony attended by close family and friends, including Gina's uncle Ralf Schumacher and her father - who hasn't been seen in public for over a decade.

Michael Schumacher's former manager has expressed shock at the decision of the F1 legend's daughter to seemingly abandon her famous surname. Gina-Marie Schumacher, the racing icon's daughter, tied the knot with her partner Ian Bethke last month at their family's plush villa.

Since a devastating ski accident in 2013, the ex-Ferrari superstar's health status has been kept under wraps and to prevent photos being taken of the unwell F1 star, all guests had to surrender their phones upon arrival at the wedding.

Schumacher's former manager, Willi Weber, 82, who managed Schumacher throughout his career, was not invited to the celebration. And he has been left stunned that Schumacher's daughter has chosen to adopt her husband's name. As reported by Bild, Gina changed her surname on her Facebook profile to Gina Bethke.

"Why would you just drop such a big name? I don't understand it! ' said Weber. "Giving up a name like that. It's a brand. It's connected to her father. I wouldn't have done that. But that's her decision! The other is my opinion."

Gina however, appears to have maintained the name in some areas. The 27-year-old's Instagram appears to retain Schumacher, while she is said to have opted for 'Gina Schumacher Bethke' when competing in a recent equestrian tournament in Texas.

Weber, who shared a close relationship with Schumacher, referred to the ex-Ferrari and Mercedes star as 'one of my best friends' and 'more like a son that I never had'.

Speaking to the Cologne Express last year, he expressed his sorrow: "When I think of Michael now, unfortunately I don't have anymore hope that I will see him again. No positive news after 10 years. Of course, I regret that very much and blame myself. I should have visited Michael in the hospital. I mourned like a dog after his accident.

"It hit me incredibly hard, you can imagine that. But at some point, the point came when I had to free myself from Michael and let go."

Despite not being invited to Gina's wedding, Weber told Bild he wouldn't have been able to attend due to health issues but wished her all the best.

He commented: "I wasn't invited, but I wouldn't have attended the wedding even if I had been invited. My health isn't good at the moment. I wouldn't have wanted to fly to Majorca.

"I wish her the best of luck and I hope she has found the right man, that's always important."