Former Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine has been sentenced to six months in jail for his involvement in a nightclub brawl in Italy.

The 48-year-old, who competed in the sport between 1993 and 2002, was found guilty of 'mutual injury' from the incident, which occurred in the VIP section of nightclub Milan in December 2008.

Gabriele Moratti, who is the son of a former Milan mayor, was also found guilty and he too received a six-month sentence.

However, Moratti's lawyer has claimed that neither individual was likely to go to jail and the sentences would be suspended, according to The Telegraph.

Irvine, who represented Ferrari, Jordan and Jaguar during his 10-season career, accused Moratti of punching him two or three times.