Honda will have a new leadership at Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) starting in 2027. Keiichi Yasuda will assume the presidency and the role of CEO on January 1, succeeding Koji Watanabe, who will retire. In Formula 1, the leadership change does not, for now, alter Honda’s plans. The company will continue as the power unit supplier to Aston Martin in 2027.
The change comes at an important moment for the Japanese manufacturer’s motorsport programs, which bring together its automotive and motorcycle operations under HRC. Yasuda already holds the positions of executive vice president and representative director of the organization and will now be responsible for leading the entire structure.
Yasuda arrives in the role advocating a management approach aimed mainly at people and at strengthening the organization. His experience includes work in Honda’s international operations and in the human resources area. “I consider it my mission to firmly inherit the solid foundation built by Watanabe,” Yasuda said.
The executive also spoke about the intention to unite HRC around the quest for wins while tightening the relationship with partners, supporters, and others involved in the company’s projects. So far, however, no concrete changes to the Formula 1 structure or to the partnership with Aston Martin have been announced.
Watanabe leaves the command after a tenure marked by significant changes within the organization. He took over as HRC president in 2022, after taking part in the process that unified Honda’s automotive and motorcycle operations. During his tenure, the manufacturer also advanced its return to F11, reorganized the former American HPD operation within HRC US, and created HRC UK.
Even with the succession defined, Watanabe will remain in the role until the end of the year and intends to continue working toward Honda’s results before stepping down from the position.
