Yorkshire Motorsport Star Announced for International F4 Campaign

27th November 2025

18-year-old driver Rowan Campbell-Pilling has announced he will be racing in the 2025 Formula 4 (F4) UAE Trophy Series, certified by the FIA. This will see him race on the Qatar Airways Formula 1 schedule for a second time this year.

Rowan has been signed by Dubai-based Xcel Motorsport, which races in both British F4 and MSV GB3 championships in the UK, as well as around the world in F4 and Karting. Xcel has recently established a brand-new facility in Wokingham this year to strengthen its operation in the UK.
 
After two impressive seasons in British F4, Rowan has collected over 22 trophies and made his way into the top 10 standings. He now embarks on this next challenge as one to watch.
 
The 18-year-old’s remarkable ability to navigate challenging tracks and deliver exceptional lap times has solidified his reputation as a name to remember.
 
The F4 UAE Trophy Series starts this week at Dubai Autodrome for the first of three consecutive weekends of racing. It will feature five official practice sessions, five qualifying sessions and eight races across the three weekends.
 
It will also see Sheffield’s motorsport star race for a second time this year on the Qatar Airways Formula 1 schedule. Earlier in the year, Rowan joined F1, F2 and F3 as F4 drivers took part in the 2025 Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This time he will drive at the last round of the F1 season at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.
 
Rowan 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.
 
“I’m honoured to represent Sheffield on an international stage. I want to inspire more young drivers – or future engineers – here in my hometown.”
 
The Middle East series will see Rowan take a new direction in his motorsport journey and race in completely new territories.
 
He has completed extensive nutrition, hydration, and physical training, supported by additional simulator work, to ensure he is fully prepared to race in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
 
“I’ve stayed laser focused since the British F4 season ended,” Rowan added. “I’ve spent my autumn training and getting in the best condition I can ahead of the new series.”
 
Rowan looks forward to representing Sheffield, and Yorkshire, again on the world stage as he concludes his F4 2025 campaign, before stepping up to the UK’s premier category, MSV GB3 single seaters, in 2026.
 
Keep up to date: https://www.rowancampbellpilling.co.uk/