Honda HRC: Watanabe retires, Yasuda becomes new president

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is changing its leader. The company announced on Monday 5 October 2026 that Koji Watanabe, president and CEO, will retire on 1 January 2027. His vice-president, Keiichi Yasuda, will succeed him at the head of a structure that represents Honda in both MotoGP and Formula 1.

Who is Koji Watanabe?

Watanabe joined Honda in 1987 and has been HRC president since 2022, the year the motorcycle and car racing activities were brought together in one entity. Under his leadership Honda reversed its 2020 announcement that it would leave F1 and committed to the 2026 engine regulations.

He also reshaped the global organisation: HPD, the American structure, became HRC US and HRC UK was created. Watanabe said he wants to keep aiming for victory during his remaining three months in the post.

Who is Keiichi Yasuda?

Yasuda is currently HRC vice-president. He headed the human resources department and has experience running overseas subsidiaries. He said he wants to invest in people and strengthen the organisation, and sees it as his mission to firmly take over the foundation built by his predecessor.

What Honda says

For the manufacturer, this is a periodic personnel rotation, meant to strengthen the leadership structure at a time of global transformation and accelerate commercial development for the next generation.

And on track in 2027?

The announcement comes after the Japanese MotoGP Grand Prix. No change of sporting programme has been announced:

• F1: Honda remains Aston Martin Aramco's engine supplier, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll;
• MotoGP: Honda will race under the new regulations, with Fabio Quartararo in the factory team.

For bike fans, the change of president is therefore first of all an organisational signal.