F1 seeds and seed companies

When I first started growing lettuce and tomatoes I had absolutely no idea about F1 hybrid seeds. I think it can make things easier/more prolific, but later there was a touch of disappointment that I might have taken an easy/easier route.

I've looked back at some old seed packets and loads are F1 varieties. I might start getting a bit more interested in what seeds I'm using rather than just seeing them for the pretty pictures on the front