Sebastian Vettel risked another head-to-head confrontation with F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone yesterday when he launched an emotional plea for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza to be retained on the calendar.

After finishing second in yesterday’s race the outspoken four-time champion German said losing Monza’s historic race ‘for sh**** money reasons’ would tear out the heart of the sport.

“Look at this, this says it all,” said Vettel, pointing at the massed crowd of Tifosi who had rushed onto the circuit after the race.

“This is the best second place I have ever had, the best emotions I have had. If we take this away from the calendar for any sh**** money reasons you are basically ripping our hearts out. It makes it so much worthwhile, you stand on the grid, it makes it.”

It was Vettel’s first experience of the atmosphere at the Autodromo Nazionale as a Ferrari driver and came two weeks after his criticism of Italian tyres supplier Pirelli over blowouts which prompted Ecclestone’s intervention.

Brazilian Felipe Massa, formerly with Ferrari and now with Williams, said: “The emotion here is fantastic. This amazing place, being on the podium here, with a straight full of people so you cannot see any asphalt…. It is definitely the best podium and very human, very hot, very human. Feeling it is fantastic.”

Monza’s contract to host the Italian race ends next year (2016) and Ecclestone was at the centre of talks about an extension throughout the weekend.