Koji Watanabe will retire as Honda HRC president on January 1, 2027, with Keiichi Yasuda named as his successor.

Koji Watanabe, who has led Honda's racing activities under HRC since 2022, announced his retirement effective January 1, 2027. During his tenure, Watanabe oversaw the company's merger of four-wheel and two-wheel motorsport divisions and Honda's return to Formula 1 as a works partner with Aston Martin for the 2026 regulations after initially deciding to leave the sport.

Keiichi Yasuda, currently Executive Vice President and Representative Director at Honda, will succeed Watanabe as HRC CEO. Yasuda previously served as head of human resources at Honda's racing division and brings extensive management experience from leading overseas operations.

Honda described the leadership change as part of a planned personnel rotation designed to strengthen management structure and accelerate business expansion globally. Under Watanabe's leadership, HRC expanded internationally by reorganizing HPD in the United States into HRC US and establishing HRC UK.

Watanabe expressed honor in serving as president of the unified HRC organization and pride in the team's achievements including the Formula 1 return decision. Yasuda emphasized his mission to inherit and evolve the foundation built by Watanabe, focusing on investing in people and strengthening the organization toward victory in motorsport competition.