Honda’s F1 programme boss Arai replaced for start of new season

Yasuhisa Arai has been replaced as boss of Honda’s F1 programme.

The Japanese manufacturer had a dismal return to the sport providing engines for Mclaren last season. The year was blighted by unreliability problems and a lack of power from its hybrid motors.

Arai, 59, will be replaced by Yusuke Hasegawa – who joined the company in 1986 – and explained that it is Honda policy for staff to retire when they reach 60.

“I was given a task and I was able to fulfil it,” said Arai (left). “I was put in place to do a specific role and I did the best I could.

“Whether or not I was able to achieve the results everyone was expecting is different. Because it is a big task, the results were difficult but personally because it was so difficult and it was the start of a large project, I am pleased to have been part of it.”