Japanese head of F1 project leaves Honda

Honda's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. Although the Japanese car brand has held exploratory talks with McLaren, it is extremely unclear whether Honda can be found on the F1 grid after 2025. In any case, Yasuaki Asaki, the head of the F1 project, will not be there then.

Asaki has announced his departure from Honda, the company said in a press release in Japan. Asaki is retiring. A replacement has already been found by the carmaker. His name is Ikuo Takeishi.

Asaki was involved in first the Honda adventure with McLaren, and later with the Red Bull teams. Under his leadership, Honda managed to transform from the worst power united to the strongest on the grid. Nevertheless, Honda decided to kiss Formula 1 goodbye at the end of 2021, although they continued to supply power units to Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri.

The Japanese returned to their departure after a change at the top of the group during 2022. Meanwhile, Honda has expressed its intention to remain active in Formula 1 from 2026 as well, although it is unclear with which team a collaboration is possible.