Ron Dennis fights gay dismissal claim

A fascinating glimpse into the world of Formula 1 motor racing (though pale in comparison with the Max Mosley affair, see above) is offered by a case brought against Ron Dennis, head of the McLaren racing team. Peter Boland, who worked as a "personal jet steward", claimed at a tribunal hearing on Wednesday that he was unfairly dismissed from his post by Dennis following (unfounded) rumours that Boland was homosexual.

Boland, 27, who was sacked from his £32,000-a-year job last September, claimed that the rumours that he was gay, spread by management, led to unwanted advances from a male colleague. Worse, the tribunal also heard allegations that a "private investigator" working for McLaren was sent to his home to threaten him amid a dispute over returning his Mercedes company car.

He told the tribunal, which is being held in Southampton, that when he complained about victimisation he was warned that things could turn "nasty" if he tried to take on McLaren, whose drivers include British world title hope Lewis Hamilton.

Boland worked for Greyscape, a private company which flies Dennis's private jet, but as Dennis’s personal air steward, he said he was treated effectively as an employee of McLaren. He is claiming unfair dismissal for discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, victimisation and post-termination discrimination against Dennis and three companies controlled by him.

Andrew Allen, representing Boland, told the hearing: "There is an allegation that the previous good relationship between Dennis and the claimant [Boland] dramatically changed because of the perception of his sexual orientation.” He added that his client had been "thrown out" of a meeting with Dennis when he raised his complaints.

However, the lawyer representing Dennis and Greyscape, Jane Mulcahy, said the relationship had broken down because Boland "kept on falling asleep and was rude". A full hearing is not due to be held until January because of the timing of the Formula 1 season during which Dennis, who will be called as a witness, would be "jetting about".