Ricciardo reveals how he earned ‘Honey Badger’ nickname

Daniel Ricciardo, having stepped away from the F1 grid, recently shared the origin of his iconic "Honey Badger" nickname. He revealed the moniker symbolized his "alter ego" behind the wheel, contrasting his naturally easy-going personality off-track with a fierce, aggressive approach to racing. Ricciardo explained that like the animal, known for its toughness and fighting spirit, he had to cultivate a "killer instinct" to succeed, particularly enjoying bold overtaking maneuvers. He admitted this aggressive side wasn't always natural, requiring development with the help of a trainer, but once unleashed, it felt "nice to be a badass." The Australian emphasized that embracing risk in overtaking was "the most fun," viewing it as instinct.