The Honda Racing Corporation will have a change in leadership from the start of 2027.
The Japanese marque has returned to Formula 1 this year in an exclusive power unit deal with Aston Martin, which has, as well-documented, been fraught with early issues.
Honda’s power unit built for the Silverstone-based squad has been largely problematic since pre-season testing, with Aston, more often than not, rooted to the back of the field.
The two brands have worked together, however, to ensure effective solutions and improvements, exemplified by Fernando Alonso’s eighth-place finish in yesterday’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
However, Honda has dropped the news that its CEO, Koji Watanabe, will step down, effective on January 1.
Watanabe, who took over the role in 2022, will retire, to be replaced by long-term Honda stalwart Keiichi Yasuda.
Yasuda has been involved with Honda for 36 years, and since this year, has been the Executive Vice President and Representative Director of HRC.
In a statement, Watanabe said: “It is my honor serving as a president of HRC with the wonderful colleagues, adding: “For the remaining three months of my presidency, I will continue to do my utmost, aiming for victory until the very end.”
Incoming CEO Yasuda said: “I consider it my mission to firmly inherit the solid foundation built by Watanabe. Evolve it further, unite everyone’s vector toward the single goal of winning in races, and make HRC even stronger.
“Leveraging my management experience as president of overseas local entities and my background in HR, I will focus on investing in people and strengthening our organization toward victory.
“I will devote myself to building an HRC whose challenges resonate with our stakeholders and motorsport fans, so that we can share the emotion of victory together.”
READ MORE – Motorsport Week’s 2026 F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia Driver Ratings
Discussion about this post