Michael Schumacher's ex-manager stunned at decision by F1 legend's daughter to change name
Michael Schumacher's daughter Gina married her partner Iain Bethke last month at the family's Majorca villa and now appears to have taken her husband's surname to the surprise of Willi Weber
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorMichael Schumacher's former manager has been left aghast at the decision of the Formula 1 legend's daughter to seemingly drop her prestigious surname.
Schumacher's daughter, Gina-Marie, married her partner Ian Bethke last month at the family's luxury villa. The private affair saw family and friends, including Gina's uncle Ralf Schumacher who has been estranged in the past, at the Schumacher family's £27million Majorcan villa.
German news outlets reported that it was "very likely" the seven-time F1 world champion was in attendance at the wedding of his daughter. Following a catastrophic ski accident in 2013, the ex-Ferrari superstar's condition has been closely guarded and to prevent pictures being taken of the stricken F1 star, all guests had to give up their phones upon arrival at the wedding.
Willi Weber, 82, managed Schumacher throughout his career but did not make the cut for the celebration. The German national has been left in disbelief that Schumacher's daughter has opted to take on her husband's name.
As reported by Bild, Gina decided to alter her surname on her Facebook profile and it now reads as 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 enjoyed a close bond with Schumacher and described the former Ferrari and Mercedes racer as 'one of my best friends' and 'more like a son that I never had'. He told the Cologne Express last year: "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."
Weber confirmed to Bild that he had not been invited to the wedding but admitted he would have been unable to make the trip regardless. The ex-F1 manager wished Gina the best however.
He said: "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."
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