RFK Racing’s sponsorship future now faces uncertainty as its primary backer, Castrol, prepares for a major ownership change set to take effect in 2027. This transition could significantly impact the team’s operations in the NASCAR Cup Series, given Castrol’s historic six-year support of RFK Racing.
Castrol’s Ownership Changes Spark Uncertainty
Castrol first became the flagship sponsor and engine oil supplier for RFK Racing’s three-car team in 2019. Over the last six years, this partnership has delivered memorable wins, playoff berths, and the iconic livery seen on tracks nationwide. However, this alliance now hangs in the balance as BP, Castrol’s parent company, sold a 65% stake in the oil brand to Stonepeak Partners on December 24, 2025. BP’s move was aimed at slashing its debt as part of a $20 billion divestment initiative, with Castrol’s sale alone contributing substantially to this goal.
Carol Howle, BP interim CEO, addressed the sale’s significance:
“We concluded a thorough strategic review of Castrol, which generated extensive interest and resulted in the sale of a majority interest to Stonepeak,”
said Carol Howle, BP interim CEO.
“And with this, we have now completed or announced over half of our targeted $20 billion divestment programme, with proceeds to strengthen BP’s balance sheet significantly.”
Stonepeak Partners, now the majority stakeholder, will have the final say on all major decisions concerning Castrol and its partnerships. Although BP holds onto a 35% minority share, the direction and priorities for sponsorships like the one with RFK Racing will shift to Stonepeak after 2026. This critical change raises fresh questions regarding the continuity of the RFK Racing sponsorship once the transition is finalized in 2027.
The Timeline and Implications for RFK Racing
RFK Racing’s focus keyword, “RFK Racing sponsorship future,” is at the front of fans’ minds, but for now, the current agreement remains in place for the 2026 NASCAR season. The deal, signed between Castrol and the racing team, ensures Castrol will stay on the hood at least through this season. Castrol’s takeover by Stonepeak officially comes into effect in 2027, leaving both sides valuable time to negotiate new terms or consider other options.
This grace period should reassure fans of RFK Racing and its iconic Castrol-liveried cars. However, the upcoming renegotiation under new majority ownership leaves much in limbo. The direction Stonepeak wishes to take with Castrol’s sponsorship portfolio, including involvement in NASCAR, remains unknown. Both partners have a window to prove the value of their alliance or pursue fresh approaches before the sale’s repercussions hit home.
Performance Pressure Amid Uncertain Backing
Concerns over RFK Racing’s ability to retain Castrol sponsorship are not merely administrative. The team’s competitiveness is now even more crucial. In the 2025 NASCAR season, RFK Racing failed to secure race wins, a setback that could hurt efforts to persuade Stonepeak to continue the Castrol partnership beyond 2026. Historically, RFK Racing has celebrated two championships, but recent struggles may diminish their appeal to new corporate owners expecting strong performance and brand exposure.
Andreas Osbar, CEO of Castrol Americas, acknowledged the significance of the partnership, stating,
“RFK has been at the forefront of innovation, testing and winning races with our Castrol MoreCircular engine oils since 2022. Putting our products to the test in extreme racing conditions has been critical, and I’m grateful to the iconic RFK Racing team for their partnership.”
For Castrol’s new management to see value in ongoing sponsorship, RFK Racing may need to deliver on-track results that highlight the oil brand’s performance benefits. Otherwise, Stonepeak may prioritize different marketing or sponsorship arrangements once the 2027 season begins.
Additional Challenges for RFK Racing
The team faces external pressures that further complicate the sponsorship landscape. Notably, co-owner Brad Keselowski recently suffered an injury, though he has confirmed he won’t miss the season-opening Daytona 500. Still, RFK Racing must concentrate on strong results to bolster their bargaining position and assure sponsors of their potential as a top NASCAR team.
This transition follows BP’s exit from its dominant role at Castrol, a development that the RFK Racing organization recognizes as a turning point. Their leadership and fans are left to ponder whether the team can successfully renegotiate its crucial partnership or if Castrol might redirect its investments to a new team or venture after 2026.
The Road Ahead for RFK Racing and Castrol
As the 2026 NASCAR season unfolds, all eyes are on the RFK Racing sponsorship future. The team and Castrol’s management under Stonepeak have a limited window to determine next steps. On-track success, effective negotiations, and a compelling story for the Castrol brand will be pivotal as sponsorship decisions for 2027 and beyond draw near. The sponsorship landscape in NASCAR continues to evolve, and with the departure of BP’s controlling stake, RFK Racing faces one of its most challenging turning points yet.
.@BP_plc sold a 65% majority stake of @Castrol this month to an investment firm to reduce its debt, but Castrol is still expected to remain a sponsor of @RFKracing in 2026, per the team. pic.twitter.com/j6J8tzvzWv
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 31, 2025
