I know that a lot of these teams use FEA (Abaqus) and CFD (Fluent) codes for simulation. I wonder how many of the 500 people dedicated to just design and analysis via simulation. I imagine quite a few.
Contrast with drag racing, where a common tool is Solidworks (which is an outstanding program, especially when coupled with CNC machines). I've yet to hear of anyone using high end FEA/CFD (like the aforementioned Abaqus and Fluent) in design of parts in the drag racing world.
The only company I can think of that would use a high end CFD program in design of parts is Aerodine, but they have IndyCar customers, too, which requires quite a bit more aero work. I would be curious to know what they use. Fluent?