In 1987 Benetton effectively became the Ford works team in F1 as they had exclusive use of the 120°, turbocharged Ford TEC V6 engine (internally known as the Cosworth GBA) for 1987, rated at approximately 900 bhp (671 kW; 912 PS).

The B187 was the last of a line of turbo cars produced by Benetton and its predecessor Toleman, dating back to when the latter debuted in F1 in 1981 with the Hart-powered TG181.

Driven by Belgian Thierry Boutsen and Italian Teo Fabi, the team and the B187 got off to a good start with Boutsen finishing 5th at the season opening Brazilian Grand Prix, but after that the high boost the team ran in order to keep up with their competition saw the reliability of the TEC engine become suspect.

However, by running less turbo boost (which hampered speed but also saw the reliability woes go down), by mid-season both Fabi and Boutsen were regularly challenging the top 4 teams of McLaren, Williams, Lotus and Ferrari for podium finishes.

Boutsen led the Mexican Grand Prix (the race the team had won in 1986) before being forced to retire.