Stonepeak Sale Stuns RFK Racing: Castrol Sponsorship Faces Big Uncertainty
RFK Racing’s long-running partnership with Castrol — in place since 2019 — has been thrown into uncertainty after BP sold a 65% stake in the oil brand to Stonepeak Partners on December 24, 2025. The Castrol-branded cars have been the primary engine oil partner for RFK’s three-car NASCAR Cup Series operation for six years, and the deal has underpinned multiple wins and playoff appearances in previous seasons. BP will retain a 35% stake, but Stonepeak’s majority control means future decisions about sponsorship will rest with the private equity buyer. The current agreement allows Castrol to continue sponsoring RFK through the 2026 season; the change in ownership takes full effect in 2027, giving both sides time to negotiate what comes next.
The sale is part of BP’s broader divestment strategy to cut debt — Castrol was valued at nearly $10 billion in the transaction — and company leadership framed the move as a step toward a $20 billion divestment target. While BP’s interim CEO said the review generated extensive interest and led to the sale, the practical consequence for RFK is clear: when Stonepeak assumes control, RFK must persuade new management that continuing the partnership makes commercial sense. Andreas Osbar, CEO of Castrol Americas, underscored the technical link between the brands, noting RFK’s role in testing Castrol’s MoreCircular engine oils in racing conditions since 2022, but the ultimate decision will be a business one for Stonepeak and whatever direction they choose for the brand.
Urgency for RFK comes at a difficult moment on track. The team failed to register a Cup Series win in 2025, a downturn that could make sponsorship renewal harder to justify to new owners focused on return on investment. Co-owner Brad Keselowski suffered an injury during the offseason, but he has confirmed he will not miss the Daytona 500 — a positive sign for RFK’s immediate competitiveness and visibility at the sport’s biggest early-season event. Still, results and marketing value in the coming months will be central to RFK’s case; performance, on-track exposure, and the ability to showcase Castrol products under extreme conditions are likely to be key bargaining points in any renegotiation.
For now, RFK and Castrol’s current deal remains in place through 2026, and discussions with Stonepeak can take place before the takeover is complete. The team faces a clear mandate: produce better results and demonstrate the commercial and technical benefits of the partnership to secure Castrol’s backing under new ownership. Whether Stonepeak opts to continue the relationship, alter the sponsorship structure, or pursue other marketing strategies will become one of the sport’s important storylines heading into 2027.
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