Koji Watanabe to retire as Honda HRC chief on 1 January 2027

Koji Watanabe will retire on 1 January 2027, with Keiichi Yasuda set to succeed him at the helm of Honda HRC. A long-serving Honda employee, Watanabe joined the manufacturer in 1987 before becoming head of its racing division in 2022. He oversaw the company’s merger of its motorcycle and four-wheel racing divisions, as well as its reversal of the decision to leave Formula 1. Honda will be a works partner of Aston Martin under the 2026 regulations.

Honda described the change as part of a planned rotation of personnel. “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 said.

Watanabe expressed his gratitude for the role: “It is my honour to have served as HRC president alongside wonderful colleagues.” Yasuda, for his part, said he wanted to “firmly inherit the solid foundation built by Watanabe,” develop it further and bring everyone together around the goal of winning races. Yasuda is currently Executive Vice President and Representative Director; he previously headed human resources in Honda’s racing division.