Koji Watanabe to retire as HRC CEO with Keiichi Yasuda named successor

Honda Racing Corporation has confirmed that president and CEO Koji Watanabe will retire on 1 January 2027, with Keiichi Yasuda appointed to succeed him as the company prepares for its return to Formula 1 under the 2026 regulations.

Watanabe joined Honda in 1987 and took charge of the racing division in 2022, when HRC was restructured to unify its four-wheel and two-wheel motorsport operations under a single roof. During his tenure he oversaw Honda’s reversal of its decision to exit F1, securing a works partnership with Aston Martin from 2026 onwards, as well as the reorganisation of Honda Performance Development in the United States into HRC US and the establishment of HRC UK.

“In 2022, I assumed the post of President of the new HRC, unifying both motorcycle and automobile motorsport activities,” Watanabe said. “Since then, we decided on our return to F1, expanded our global motorsport structure… and worked on building HRC’s global brand. For the remaining three months of my presidency, I will continue to do my utmost, aiming for victory until the very end.”

Honda framed the leadership change as part of a routine management rotation rather than a reactive move. “This executive change is part of a planned periodic personnel rotation designed to strengthen the management structure in response to global transformation and to accelerate business expansion for the next generation,” the company stated.

Yasuda, who currently serves as Executive Vice President and Representative Director and previously led HR within Honda’s racing division, outlined an agenda centred on organisational investment. “I consider it my mission to firmly inherit the solid foundation built by Watanabe,” he said. “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 organisation toward victory.”

The transition comes at a pivotal moment for HRC, with Honda’s F1 comeback with Aston Martin less than six months away and the team yet to mount a serious championship challenge under the current regulations.