Sebastian Vettel said Formula One would be "ripping its heart out" if it does not retain the Italian Grand Prix.
The iconic Monza venue, which has played host to all but one grand prix in Italy since the sport's inception in 1950, faces extinction if a new deal is not brokered.
F1's chief executive Bernie Ecclestone remains in talks with the circuit organisers over extending their current contract which expires next season. But the 84-year-old has already warned that he will not offer them "a cut-price deal".
Vettel, who finished second on his Ferrari debut at the track, says the sport must do all it can to keep the so-called 'temple of speed' on the calendar.
"To sum it up it is fairly simple, it is the best second place I ever had," said Vettel, whose name was chanted by the raucous tifosi when he stepped out on to the rostrum.
"The emotions on the podium is incredible and if we take this away from the calendar for any s***** money reasons I think you are basically ripping our hearts out.
"We are here, we are racing and this makes it so much more worthwhile. It is what we're here for. You stand on the grid, you look to the left, you look to the right, people are just happy to be part of it and it makes our day."
The Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who has already spoken of his desire for Monza's long affiliation with Formula One to continue, caused mayhem in the paddock when he arrived to meet Ecclestone shortly before the race.
Felipe Massa, who finished third for Williams, but spent eight seasons racing for Ferrari, added: "Here we are in the history of Formula One. 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."
Source: PA
