SILVERSTONE, England - Formula One's governing body says it has not ruled out driver points penalties if McLaren are found to have acted wrongfully in the espionage drama that emerged in the sport this week.

SILVERSTONE, England - Formula One's governing body says it has not ruled out driver points penalties if McLaren are found to have acted wrongfully in the espionage drama that emerged in the sport this week.

It is alleged that former Ferrari employee Nigel Stepney gave a substantial amount of technical information about the Italian team's car to Mike Coughlan of McLaren.

This information could feasibly have been used to improve the McLaren car, though the British team have strongly denied that this is the case.

Earlier this week Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone ruled out the possibility of punishment for McLaren drivers Fernando Alonso and current driver's championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Ecclestone said: "There is no way it would affect the driver. It is nothing to do with the driver. He's got the car, he gets into the car, and he has no idea."

However, on Thursday an FIA spokesman told autosport.com that no punishment could be ruled out until the world motor sport governing body has concluded its investigations. - Sapa-AFP