F1 can't lose Monza for 'sh*tty money reasons' - Sebastian Vettel

Vettel was given a rapturous reception by thousands of Ferrari fans that again thronged the start-finish straight at Monza for the top-three ceremony.

After finishing second to Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton - although the reigning champion is under investigation by the stewards for potentially illegal tyre pressures - Vettel has demanded an end to the contract stalemate over the future of the race.

With F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone remaining locked in talks with circuit and race officials, Vettel said: "It's the best second place I've ever had.

"If we take this [race] away from the calendar for any shitty money reasons, you are basically ripping our hearts out.

"The emotions here are incredible. You stand on the grid and people left and right are happy to be part of it.

"It makes our day. Thank you for this emotion."

Vettel was provided with strong support from Hamilton who said: "This circuit is such a special one for me and all the drivers.

"When you stand on that podium you feel incredibly proud to be among all the greats that have stood up there.

"The sea of fans is unlike anything I've seen.

"It's one of the best tracks in the world. This has to stay here for moral reasons.

"You've got all those fans out there who come every single year.

"Another grand prix would not have that same impact. We definitely have to keep it."

After his third place for Williams, ex-Ferrari driver Felipe Massa said: "Here we are in the history of Formula 1. We race for the people here.

"When I see the podium here, people screaming and crying, we cannot lose that.

"This is part of our blood and we cannot lose these type of races. I really like to go to new countries, we go to amazing countries, but you cannot lose something that's in your blood."