Yusuke Hasegawa will move on to a position inside the Honda organisation after January 1st, with the Japanese manufacturer splitting his position of Head of Formula 1 project into two separate roles.
Hasegawa took charge of the operation shortly before the start of the 2016 season after unhappiness between McLaren and his predecessor Yasuhisa Arai, a reasonable year followed though still well short of expectations but that all changed again in 2017 when a flawed overhaul of the engine put Honda months behind schedule.
With finishing a race proving the main challenge let alone doing so competitively, it would be the final straw as, in September, the British team confirmed they would be splitting and start using Renault engines from next year.
Honda will remain in F1 with Toro Rosso, with their sister team Red Bull keeping an eye after the progress they made towards the end of the year and this change is aimed at speeding up the process.
Toyoharu Tanabe will take the new role of F1 Technical Director, controlling the operational side of the team at the racetrack, while an Operating Officer, currently unknown, will manage research and development along with the wider Honda operation.
“In the past, the Head of F1 Project assumed responsibility in both technological development and directing the team at the spot of racing,” Katsuhide Moriyama, Honda’s Chief Officer for Brand and Communication Operations explained.
“By separating these areas of responsibility, we will evolve our structure so that both the development team and racing/testing team can assume their respective responsibilities more speedily.
“By ensuring both the development team and racing team soundly fulfil their respective roles, Honda will continue its challenges so that fans can enjoy seeing Toro Rosso-Honda competing at the top level without further delay.”
As for Hasegawa, he will leave the F1 operation but will assume the role of Executive Chief Engineer within Honda.
