Oct.6 (GMM) Honda has announced another major management change as its troubled Formula 1 partnership with Aston Martin begins to show signs of improvement.
Honda Racing Corporation confirmed on Monday that president and CEO Koji Watanabe will retire on January 1, with current executive vice president Keiichi Yasuda taking over.
The announcement is amid the disastrous first season of the Aston Martin-Honda works partnership, although Fernando Alonso’s P8 at Sepang on Sunday offered some encouragement.
Watanabe, who has led HRC since 2022, was instrumental in bringing Honda’s motorcycle and automobile racing programs together and overseeing its return to Formula 1.
“For the remaining three months of my presidency, I will continue to do my utmost, aiming for victory until the very end,” he said in a statement.
Honda described the leadership change as a planned personnel rotation rather than a response to its Formula 1 difficulties.
Incoming boss Yasuda said his priority would be strengthening the organisation. “I will focus on investing in people and strengthening our organisation toward victory,” he said.
Meanwhile, Honda trackside chief Shintaro Orihara admitted that Aston Martin’s four-point result in Malaysia was not necessarily a reflection of the engine’s competitiveness.
“It’s not entirely indicative of our power unit performance, but everyone worked well to maximise our outcomes, which were four championship points,” he said.
“Monza, Madrid, and Baku were very tough races for Honda. The gains aren’t huge, but we’re still trying to improve.”
Orihara told AS that the wet conditions had unexpectedly helped Honda’s energy management.
“The interesting thing is that, in rainy conditions, we didn’t lack energy,” he said. “We can take that learning to Singapore, where there might also be enough battery power.”
Aston Martin’s Mike Krack cautioned against reading too much into the improved weekend.
“In Madrid and Baku we were nowhere, so now we need to keep our feet on the ground,” he said.
Alonso, however, believes Singapore could offer another opportunity.
“I’m absolutely optimistic,” said the Spaniard, who is staying with the team for 2027.
“It’s a better track for our characteristics than Malaysia. It was an encouraging performance, and we’re looking to repeat… or even improve.”
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience the thrill of the Canadian Grand Prix with Grand Prix Tours! Feel the excitement of Formula 1 as the world's best drivers battle it out on Montreal's iconic Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Explore the vibrant city, enjoy unforgettable race weekend experiences, and soak up the electric atmosphere. Make your Canadian Grand Prix getaway one to remember with our exclusive travel packages. Secure your spot today!
SHOW PACKAGES