Change of leadership at Honda: HRC boss Koji Watanabe retires – his successor, Keiichi Yasuda, takes over the Formula 1 project with Aston Martin
Honda is further restructuring its motorsport programme: following the announcement a few weeks ago that the current head of Formula 1 powertrain development would be replaced in October, the Japanese manufacturer has now announced the next personnel change: HRC boss Koji Watanabe is retiring.
The current head of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) will step down from day-to-day operations on 1 January 2027. Watanabe, who joined the Japanese brand in 1987, is a true Honda veteran and took over as head of the motorsport division in 2022.
During this time, he oversaw the historic merger of the company’s two- and four-wheel racing divisions. Above all, however, he initiated the U-turn following the initial withdrawal from Formula 1 and arranged the return as a works partner of Aston Martin under the new regulations from 2026.
His successor, however, has already been confirmed: Keiichi Yasuda will become the new HRC chief. Yasuda is currently Executive Vice President and Representative Director and previously served as Head of Human Resources (HR) for Honda’s motorsport division. The change will take place as planned.
“This change in leadership is part of a planned, regular staff rotation,” according to an official statement from Honda. “It aims to strengthen the management structure in response to global transformations and to accelerate business expansion for the next generation.”
Watanabe intends to “work towards victories right up to the end”
“It has been an honour to serve as President of HRC alongside wonderful colleagues,” says Watanabe, looking back on his tenure. “In 2022, I took on the role of President of the new HRC, unifying both our motorcycle and automotive motorsport activities.”
“Since then, we have decided to return to Formula 1, expanded our global motorsport structure by transforming HPD in the US into HRC US and establishing HRC UK, and worked intensively on building the global HRC brand. In the remaining three months of my presidency, I will continue to give my all and work towards victories right up to the very end.”
His successor, Yasuda, says of his new role: “I see it as my mission to conscientiously take over and further develop the solid foundation laid by Watanabe. We must focus all our efforts on a single goal – winning races – and make HRC even stronger.”
“With my management experience as president of local overseas subsidiaries and my background in human resources, I will focus on investing in our people and strengthening our organisation for future victories.”
