diff --git a/src/open_r1/rewards.py b/src/open_r1/rewards.py
index f92da19f..f33b5641 100644
--- a/src/open_r1/rewards.py
+++ b/src/open_r1/rewards.py
@@ -51,9 +51,9 @@ def accuracy_reward(completions, solution, **kwargs):
 
 def format_reward(completions, **kwargs):
     """Reward function that checks if the completion has a specific format."""
-    pattern = r"^<think>.*?</think><answer>.*?</answer>$"
+    pattern = r"^<think>.*?</think>\s*<answer>.*?</answer>$"
     completion_contents = [completion[0]["content"] for completion in completions]
-    matches = [re.match(pattern, content) for content in completion_contents]
+    matches = [re.match(pattern, content, re.DOTALL | re.MULTILINE) for content in completion_contents]
     return [1.0 if match else 0.0 for match in matches]
 
 
diff --git a/tests/test_rewards.py b/tests/test_rewards.py
index 0ff8a106..473a0760 100644
--- a/tests/test_rewards.py
+++ b/tests/test_rewards.py
@@ -97,6 +97,13 @@ def test_cosine_scaled_reward(self):
             rewards = get_cosine_scaled_reward(**test_params)(completion, [solution])
             self.assertAlmostEqual(rewards[0], expected_reward, places=2)
 
+    def test_format_reward_specific_multiline(self):
+        """Test format_reward with a specific multiline input."""
+        inputs = "<think>\nI will count each distinct object in the image:\n1. Purple scooter\n2. Red bicycle\n3. Green motorcycle\n4. Gray sedan\n5. Yellow school bus\n6. Small green double-decker bus\n7. Small red car\n8. Small purple car\n9. Small gray dirt bike\n\nThere are 9 distinct objects in total.\n</think>\n<answer>9</answer>"
+        completion = [[{"content": inputs}]]
+        rewards = format_reward(completion)
+        self.assertEqual(rewards[0], 1.0)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()