Shell Lubricants and BMW M Motorsport have announced the renewal of their long-standing partnership following the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans. The renewed agreement places an even stronger emphasis on research and development, with a particular focus on sustainable fluid technologies for both motorsport and passenger vehicles.
Continuing as BMW M Motorsport’s Premium Technology, Innovation and Energy Partner, Shell aims to accelerate the development of lower-carbon mobility solutions without compromising the performance and reliability required in endurance racing. The first major outcome of the renewed collaboration was unveiled during the 2026 Le Mans race weekend.
The #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8 competed using a newly developed racing engine oil formulated with re-refined base oil (RRBO) derived from used oil streams. Co-developed by Shell and BMW M Motorsport for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the lubricant incorporates circular economy principles while delivering the performance required for top-tier motorsport applications.
According to the companies, the new RRBO-based lubricant reduces product carbon intensity by more than 9% while maintaining the durability and protection required under the extreme operating conditions of a Hypercar engine. The #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8 finished second overall at Le Mans, marking an important milestone for the technology under competitive race conditions.
Under the renewed agreement, Shell will also continue supporting BMW M Motorsport’s racing activities, including its FIA WEC programme, DTM GT3 campaign and the Macau Grand Prix.
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