# Honda Racing Corporation leadership transition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/honda-racing-corporation-leadership-transition > Updated: 2026-10-09T09:17:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has announced a leadership transition, with President and CEO Koji Watanabe scheduled to retire on January 1, 2027. He will be succeeded by Keiichi Yasuda, the current Executive Vice President. HRC described the change as a “planned periodic personnel rotation” designed to strengthen management and accelerate business expansion. The transition follows a period of performance challenges, specifically regarding Honda’s return to Formula 1 as a power unit supplier for Aston Martin. Outgoing CEO Watanabe admitted that the 2026 Formula 1 return failed to meet the company’s ambitious internal goals, stating the setback “deeply wounded the company’s pride.” He noted that the performance requirements for the new technical regulations exceeded what could be achieved through previous development paths. While acknowledging these technical difficulties, Aston Martin officials expressed optimism regarding recent signs of performance evolution. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-09: Honda Racing Corporation admits 2026 F1 return failed to meet goals Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe admitted the company’s 2026 Formula 1 return failed to meet ambitious internal goals, stating the disappointment has “deeply wounded” the manufacturer’s pride. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/honda-racing-corporation-admits-2026-f1-return-failed-to-meet-goals ### 2026-10-05: Honda Racing Corporation to replace CEO Koji Watanabe in 2027 Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) will replace CEO Koji Watanabe with Keiichi Yasuda on January 1, 2027, as part of a planned leadership rotation to strengthen its global motorsport operations. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/honda-racing-corporation-announces-leadership-transition --- Cite as: Honda Racing Corporation leadership transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/honda-racing-corporation-leadership-transition