Williams had a fast and reliable car during 1986, but in-fighting between Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell allowed Alain Prost to sneak the title. For the 1987 Formula 1 season Williams retained the same driver line-up, but there were changes elsewhere.
Stefan Johansson moved to McLaren to partner Prost after being released by Ferrari. Gerhard Berger joined Ferrari from Benetton, and Thierry Boutsen went to Benetton from Arrows. Lotus acquired a supply of Honda turbo engines after Renault withdrew from Grand Prix racing. The cars also had a new colour scheme, painted bright yellow in deference to Camel, their new sponsor.
The Ligier team intended to use Alfa Romeo power in 1987, but the Italian manufacturer withdrew at the last minute. The relationship was not helped by highly uncomplimentary remarks Ligier driver René Arnoux made about the engine.
By 1987 the FIA were placing ever tighter restrictions on the power produced by turbos. Tyrrell, March, AGS and Larrousse all used normally aspirated units during the season. Two special championships were created for these teams. Drivers would compete for the Jim Clark Trophy, while the constructors battled for the Colin Chapman Trophy.
Prost Wins Formula 1 Race in Brazil
Williams served notice of intent during qualifying for the opening Grand Prix in Brazil, with Mansell taking pole ahead of Piquet. At the start Mansell made a poor getaway, letting Piquet into the lead. The Englishman experienced further trouble during the race when he picked up a puncture. The end result was a disappointing sixth place finish. Piquet failed to hold on for a home victory, with Prost beating him into second place. Johansson scored a podium finish with third place on his McLaren debut.
Mansell Takes Victory at Imola
Qualifying at Imola was marred by a violent accident which befell Piquet. The Brazilian’s Williams failed to negotiate the flat-out Tamburello curve (where Senna would lose his life seven years later). He survived relatively unscathed but was forbidden from competing in the Grand Prix.
Senna gave the new Lotus-Honda partnership its first Formula 1 pole position, with Mansell second fastest. In the race the positions were reversed, with Mansell taking victory ahead of Senna. Michele Alboreto had a strong showing in the Ferrari but a problem with his boost pressure allowed Senna past and the Italian had to settle for third. From San Marino the Formula 1 contingent headed to Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix.
1987 Formula 1 season review continues here.
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