MCLAREN Formula One chairman Ron Dennis told a Southampton employment tribunal today that allegations he was racist were "lies that have damaged his reputation".

Mr Dennis, 61, said he had come to the hearing to rectify the accusations made by his former air steward Peter Boland.

Mr Boland, 27, who was sacked by Mr Dennis in May 2007, said the tycoon had boarded his luxury executive jet in the Middle East and said that he must wash his hands because he had been ''shaking hands with Arabs all day''.

Mr Boland from Stowmarket in Suffolk is alleging discrimination and victimisation due to sexual orientation at the hearing in Southampton.

He has accused three companies controlled by Mr Dennis called McLaren Group Limited, Absolute Taste and Greyscape of the offences.

But giving evidence Mr Dennis said: ''I feel very strongly that some statements that have been attributed to me are just lies that have damaged my reputation.

''My primary purpose for being here are to ensure these untruths are rectified.''

He called the racist allegation an ''absolute lie'' and ''ridiculous''.

''I am here to defend my reputation which has been badly damaged. I am massively frustrated that things can be said and not challenged until they have been put into print.''

The businessman said that Mr Boland had been sacked because he was not doing his job properly, had fallen asleep while working on his private jet and had been rude to important guests.

He accepted that he did not follow procedures when dismissing Mr Boland but added this was done to be be kind and reach an amicable settlement.

He denied that he had sacked Mr Boland because of rumours he was gay.

The hearing continues.