Ex-F1 driver Sato moves on to Executive Advisor role with Honda

Ex-F1 driver and two-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato has made a strategic shift, transitioning from the cockpit to the boardroom as Executive Advisor for Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).

The move signifies a deeper connection between Sato and the Japanese manufacturer, with whom he has enjoyed a long and successful racing career.

As Executive Advisor of HRC, Sato will provide “advice and support in all aspects of the automobile racing activities” of Honda and HRC, including Formula 1.

Honda currently partners in F1 with Red Bull Powertrains, but the manufacturer will return as a full works power unit supplier to Aston Martin in 2026 when the sport introduced its next generation power unit.

Coincidently, Sato, whose career in F1 spanned seven seasons and included 90 race starts, made his Grand Prix debut with Team Silverstone under its Jordan guise in 2002.

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Sato's appointment aligns with HRC's growing focus on fostering collaboration between experienced veterans and the next generation of motorsport talent.

The 47-year-old, who helped shape young talents such as Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda through his involvement with the Honda Racing School programme, will offer his invaluable knowledge and insights to contribute across various Honda-backed racing programs.

Honda says that Sato will “provide advice and support in formulating driver development strategies and programmes Honda will pursue inside and outside Japan, race entry plans and the operational structure for racing activities.”

On the marketing front, HRC will “leverage Sato’s experience and knowledge as a world-class racing driver and strive to further enhance the HRC brand image.”

“I am very proud to be appointed as HRC Executive Advisor,” commented Sato. “This represents my bond with Honda, which has been supporting my challenges to realize dreams for so many years and came this far hand-in-hand.

“In addition to passing on the skills and experience I have amassed to future generations, I will still be a challenger and continue to take on new challenges together with Honda/HRC without losing the spirit of ‘No Attack, No Chance.’

“Through such challenges, I will strive to contribute to the further advancement of Honda motorsports activities.”

HRC president Koji Watanabe added: “As the principal of HRS, Mr Sato has already been making a great contribution to our efforts to develop young race drivers, but now he will broaden his involvement as the executive advisor of HRC.

“We feel very encouraged that he will provide more multifaceted support for Honda motorsports activities.

"We believe that people are attracted to Takuma Sato not only because of his driving skills, but also because he has been demonstrating strong belief and continues to take on challenges to win.

“We laud his bold challenge of competing in the Indy 500 again this year, and sincerely hope that he will achieve the special milestone of winning the Indy 500 for the third time. Together with fans, HRC/Honda will be rooting for him with all our heart.”

As he embarks on his new executive role, Sato still has unfinished business on the track. He'll be racing for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in this year's Indy 500, chasing a third victory in the legendary race.

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