''It is against all the sporting regulations we have''Bernie Ecclestone insists McLaren are facing a ban or points deduction if they are found guilty of issuing team orders during Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.
The FIA have launched an investigation into the circumstances
Fernando Alonso's win in Monte Carlo amid allegations team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who finished second, was told not to challenge for the lead.
Hamilton admitted afterwards he was told to 'ease off' in his pursuit of the Spaniard with McLaren insisting it was simply part of their strategy. But if the FIA conclude that the instruction amounted to team orders, banned under their own rules, Ecclestone would like to see the British-based team treated harshly.
Ferrari were fined one million dollars when they were found guilty of issuing team orders after the Austrian Grand Prix in 2002 - and Ecclestone believes that is the least McLaren should expect if they are found against.
"I don't know what the 'team orders' are or were," he told the Daily Mail. "One thing is for sure - if there were team orders which relate to the position of the two drivers - if somebody is told to move over or hold their position - it is against all the sporting regulations we have.
If there were orders, they would be getting off lightly if they get the same sort of fine as Ferrari."
"They could be excluded from the championship or they could have points deducted. A fine for McLaren, with its money, would not have the same effect as docking points."
Ecclestone has ruled out a direct punishment for Hamilton or Alonso.
"If there were instructions, it wouldn't be the drivers' fault."
McLaren claim they are confident an investigation into their team tactics will clear them of breaking the rules. A spokesman for the British team told AFP after the FIA launched their investigation: "We are very confident about FIA's investigation into our race strategy."
He added: "All the decisions that we took before and during the race respect perfectly the International Sporting Code."
Source AFP
