Rowan Campbell-Pilling - The Yorkshire Teen Racing In Abu Dhabi

Imagine being 18 and swapping the familiar roads of your hometown for some of the most famous racetracks in the world. That’s exactly what’s happening for one teenager from Yorkshire. Rowan Campbell-Pilling, a Sheffield-born racing driver, is making a name for himself in the Middle East.

After gaining experience in the competitive British F4 Championship, he’s now taking on a brand-new challenge in the F4 UAE Trophy Series. Moving from drizzly UK circuits to the sun-soaked tracks of Abu Dhabi and Qatar is a huge step, but the young driver is proving he’s more than ready.

From the British F4 grid to a brand new challenge

For the past two seasons, Campbell-Pilling has raced in British F4, the major stepping-stone category for young drivers dreaming of Formula 1. It’s where they hone their racecraft and prove their potential.

Rowan’s achievements include:

• Over 22 trophies
• His first win at Scotland’s Knockhill circuit
• 10th place in the 2025 British F4 Drivers’ Championship

Instead of taking a break, he’s jumped straight into the UAE Trophy Series after being signed by Xcel Motorsport, a Dubai-based team.

He said:

“I’m excited to be joining the F4 grid again, but this time as part of the UAE Trophy Series and the Xcel Motorsport team. I’m looking forward to taking on a completely new challenge as I drive on tracks I’ve never raced on before.”

Kicking off the series with a bang in Qatar

The UAE Trophy Series began last weekend at the Dubai Autodrome, and Rowan wasted no time making an impact. Racing in Qatar, he landed two podium finishes across three races.

Opening round results

• Race 1: 2nd place
• Race 2: 10th place
• Race 3: 3rd place

These results put him 4th in the Drivers’ Championship, a brilliant start in a highly competitive field. He’s currently chasing fellow Brit Theo Palmer, who leads the standings.

The level of competition and the unfamiliar conditions of Qatar make these results even more impressive.

What's next? The famous Yas Marina Circuit

The series continues this weekend (5–7 December) at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi — one of the most famous Formula 1 tracks in the world.

For a young driver, racing here is a dream come true. It’s the track where F1 world champions have been crowned, and it’s known for its stunning twilight races.

The series will conclude the following weekend (11–13 December), also at Yas Marina. These back-to-back rounds will determine the final UAE Trophy standings and provide huge experience for Rowan.

Getting ready for the Middle East heat

Racing in the Middle East isn’t just about learning track layouts, the intense heat presents its own challenge. Inside an F4 cockpit, temperatures can become extreme, so physical conditioning is crucial.

To prepare, Rowan has focused on:

• Nutrition
• Physical strength
• Hydration strategies
• Simulator work to memorise the track

He explained:
“I’ve stayed laser focused since the British F4 season ended. I’ve spent my autumn training and getting in the best condition I can ahead of the new series.”

A taste of the big time with Formula 1

Rowan is no stranger to major race weekends. Earlier this year, he competed on the official schedule for the Qatar Airways Formula 1 British Grand Prix, meaning he was part of the support events at Silverstone, one of the biggest motorsport weekends of the year.

Sharing a paddock with F1, F2, and F3 teams gave him invaluable exposure to the environment he’s aiming for.

More than just racing: representing Yorkshire and Sheffield

For Campbell-Pilling, racing abroad is about more than personal ambition. He’s proud to represent Yorkshire and hopes to inspire the next generation of Sheffield talent.

He said:
“I’m honoured to represent Sheffield on an international stage. I want to inspire more young drivers – or future engineers, here in my hometown.”

Motorsport requires entire teams behind each car, from mechanics to engineers, and Rowan hopes his journey encourages young people to explore all aspects of the industry.

The road ahead: what’s after the UAE Trophy Series?

Once the UAE Trophy Series wraps, Rowan’s 2025 season will come to an end, but 2026 is already shaping up to be a major year.

He is set to move into the MSV GB3 Championship, the UK’s premier single-seater category and the next major step toward top-level motorsport. GB3 features faster cars, tougher competition, and greater visibility.

For a young driver with eyes on the future, it’s exactly where he needs to be.