Takuma Sato expands his connection to engine manufacturer Honda and becomes senior advisor to the Japanese company: “Represents my connection “
Former Formula 1 driver Takuma Sato has been given a role at engine manufacturer Honda, where he will work as a senior advisor to the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) motorsport division. The Japanese company will return to Formula 1 as a works partner of Aston Martin in 2026.
Sato is already heavily involved in the manufacturer’s junior program through the Honda Racing School (HRS) and is set to remain so.
According to Honda, Sato will “provide advice and support in the formulation of driver development strategies and programs that Honda will pursue inside and outside Japan, as well as race participation plans and the operational structure for racing activities.”
At the same time, he will also take on a marketing role as HRC “will utilize Sato’s experience and knowledge as a world-class racer and strive to further enhance the HRC brand image.”
“I am very proud to be appointed HRC Executive Advisor,” said Sato. “This represents my commitment to Honda, who have supported me for so many years in realizing my dreams and have come this far hand in hand.”
“Not only will I pass on the skills and experience I have gained to future generations, but I will also continue to be a challenger and take on new challenges together with Honda/HRC without losing the spirit of ‘No attack, no chance’. “
“Through such challenges, I will endeavor to contribute to the further progress of Honda motorsport activities,” said the Japanese driver, who entered Formula 1 in 2002 thanks to Honda’s support.
Sato celebrated his debut with the Jordan team, which, after many detours, has become the team with which the manufacturer will reunite in 2026: Aston Martin. Until 2008, he always drove for Honda-supported teams with BAR and Super Aguri, finishing on the podium once.
He then switched to the IndyCar series, where he won the prestigious Indy500 in 2017 and 2020. He will also take part in the oval classic with RLL in 2024.
“As head of HRS, Mr. Sato has already made a great contribution to our efforts to develop young racers, but now he will expand his involvement as a senior advisor to HRC,” says HRC President Koji Watanabe.
“We are very encouraged that he will be supporting Honda Motorsport activities in more diverse ways. We believe that people are attracted to Takuma Sato not only because of his driving ability, but also because he has shown a strong faith and always accepts challenges to win.”
“We commend his bold challenge to compete 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 the fans, HRC/Honda will cheer him on wholeheartedly,” said Watanabe.
