From Motorsport · Filip Cleeren · · 1m 10s
Honda HRC appoints new CEO after Watanabe retirement
Honda Racing Corporation names Keiichi Yasuda as CEO after Koji Watanabe's retirement.
In brief
Honda Racing Corporation names Keiichi Yasuda as CEO after Koji Watanabe's retirement. Honda Racing Corporation's Koji Watanabe retires as CEO on 1 January 2027, with Keiichi Yasuda taking over to lead the company's return to F1 and global expansion. Originally reported by Motorsport.
Honda HRC CEO retirement
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) announced current President and CEO Koji Watanabe will retire at the end of the year.
Watanabe's retirement date
Koji Watanabe will retire on 1 January 2027 with Keiichi Yasuda appointed as his successor.
Watanabe's background
Watanabe joined Honda in 1987 and became head of racing division in 2022 after overseeing the company's merger of four-wheel and two-wheel divisions.
Watanabe's F1 return
Watanabe led Honda's return to F1 as a works partner of Aston Martin for 2026 regulations after previously leaving the series.
Yasuda's appointment
Keiichi Yasuda, current Executive Vice President and Representative Director, will succeed Watanabe as HRC CEO.
Yasuda's mission
Yasuda aims to inherit Watanabe's foundation, unite teams toward race victory, and strengthen HRC globally.
What to remember
Honda Racing Corporation's Koji Watanabe retires as CEO on 1 January 2027, with Keiichi Yasuda taking over to lead the company's return to F1 and global expansion.
